Aug 25, 2011
Received a call from Washington, DC today. A Mr. Calvin Davis informed me I was a 3rd prize winner in the amount of $1.5 million and the other 2 winners have already received their checks! Said he was calling from the Bank of Wachovia in Rochester, NY (hmmm...how could that be if the number on my phone read Washington, DC...another deception or he masked the phone number). He informed me that in order to claim my $1.5 million, I would have to wire 5% of the winnings (which he said was $1499.99...5% of the winnings is NOT $1499.99! What a math whiz he is!). I was not sure if this amount was 5% of the taxes or what. Claimed I won this through American Sweepstakes Promotion (untrue! ASW alerts people to this exact scam!). He said Donald Trump offers these contests monthly to people who pay their utility bills faithfully every month. Uh huh (WHATEVER!)...Told him I'd call him back, but found this to be a scam when I went online (by this phone # 202-241-9002) after hanging up with him. I worked for a company that did tons of sweeps and no one EVER pays upfront for any Sweepstakes: "no purchase or entry fee required to win and NO FEES or taxes to be paid prior to receiving the prize(s)". Mr. Davis had a very heavy accent, so I doubt he was from DC or NY. He probably was from Nigeria!!! This scoundrel should be locked up and fined the $1.5 million +! Please stop this deception by these cons into luring people into taking the bait! I reported him to the FTC immediately!
I found this warning under The American Sweepstakes and Promotions Company http://www.american-sweeps.com/
Sweepstakes winners are NOT required to pay before receiving their prize. Therefore, if you have received a phone call or have been mailed notification that you have won a sweepstakes and need to send money before receiving your prize, you most likely are about to be scammed. Over the past few years, The American Sweepstakes & Promotion Company has advised consumers not to fall prey to these frauds. Unfortunately, these thieves have been using our name and logo and even copying our website in order to appear legitimate.
If you have been informed that you have won a sweepstakes and are asked for money please contact your State Attorney General www.naag.org or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) consumer complaint assistant www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov