Oct 25, 2013
Mr. Bill Hammond is a character actor playing the role of an IRS agent. In fact, he is really a criminal predator trying to bilk money away from our senior citizens. The senior enters sweepstakes by buying things such as small trinkets or magazine subscriptions. Many times the magazines are actually received. Then they're on the 'sucker list' and the phone calls start pouring in..... they've won the big prize. Mr. Hammond creates a false sense of trust and the senior buys his story. The next thing you know, they're being asked to pay fees or taxes or directed to work with a prize distribution center in order to receive their prize. Or he may play the role that he is investigating a criminal matter and claims the senior was part of the sweepstakes fraud and in order to clear their name and stay out of jail, they will need to work with him. The threat of criminal prosecution and jail time against the senior is very frightening. These folks generally will instruct the senior to buy Green Dot cards and give him the number off the back so he can access the money immediately or send cashier's checks or even send wires. Don't fall in the trap - don't send the money. Resources are available to report the crime by contacting your local District Attorneys office, Federal Trade Commission, or if unsure, reach out to the local senior center or even talk to the bank for assistance.