(Spirit Lake)– The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public to a scam in which thieves try to convince people they have won a large cash prize and a car from Publisher’s Clearing House. The supposed winner then is told to purchase electronic devices to allow secure communication. The victims are then told to wire money through local businesses to different recipients to pay for taxes on the prize and storage of the car. In some cases, victims have even mailed cash to the thieves.
Authorities say some of the transactions were able to be stopped by the thieves still got away with thousands of dollars.
They say that if you get an offer, a call, mailing, and so on that you’re skeptical about, you should contact law enforcement and ask if it’s legitimate.
Retailers that handle money transfers are being asked to watch for the scams and report them to local law enforcement immediately. Retailers are also asked that if you recognize a customer is being scammed to try to convince them not to transfer the money.
Authorities offer this advice:
If you are asked to send money to someone, ask yourself these questions
1. Are you sending money for something a telemarketer sold you?
If YES: Tell the clerk to stop your transaction. Telemarketers can’t take money transfer payments from people in the US for something they’re selling. It’s Illegal.
2. Are you sending money to:
The IRS or another government agency?
Return an overpayment?
Send escrow money to rent an apartment or buy a car, a puppy or anything else?
Claim an inheritance or prize?
Get a guaranteed credit card or loan
Get a job offer or become a mystery shopper?
A friend or relative who claims they need help?
Anyone else you don’t know who tells you to wire them money?
IF YES: Stop. Don’t send any money. It’s a scam and someone is trying to steal your money. Then talk to someone you trust about the scam. If you already sent the money, ask the clerk to STOP your transfer right away. Ask if you can get your money back. Once your money has been picked up on the other end, which can happen quickly, you can only sometimes get a refund. Fraudulent transactions may result in the loss of your money with no recourse.
Western Union recommends the following:
Only use Western Union to send money to friends and family. Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
Scammers sometimes encourage people to transfer money. Do not transfer money to anyone who asks you to send them money:
For an emergency situation you haven’t confirmed
For an online purchase
For anti-virus protection
For a deposit or payment on rental property
To claim lottery or prize winnings
To pay taxes
For a donation to charity
For a mystery shopping assignment
For a job opportunity
For a credit card or loan fee
To resolve an immigration matter
To pay for something in response to a telemarketing call. Telemarketers cannot sell you anything and take payment by money transfer from anyone in the US. It’s illegal.
If you transfer money, the person you’re sending it to gets the money quickly. After the money is paid, Western Union may not be able to give you a refund, even if you are a victim of fraud, except under limited circumstances.
