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"Congratulations ... you're a winner!"
On Monday, October 19, 2009, Treasure Island police officers responded to a
residence on Isle of Palms after the homeowner reported an attempted
telephone scam/fraud. An investigation revealed that the homeowner received a
phone call from a male who identified himself as a representive from Publisher’s
Clearing House. The caller informed the victim that she had won 2.5 million
dollars. The suspect asked the victim to send $750.00 in cash via Western
Union to San Diego, so that she could receive the balance of the 2.5 million
dollar prize. The victim
contacted police when she realized that something was not right. The victim did not send the money as
requested.
This is an example of the many types of phone and internet
scams used by oversees groups in an effort to take advantage of otherwise trusting
and unsuspecting victims. Many times,
especially in this current economy, victims send money in hopes of gaining
financial relief or big rewards. In
most cases, the Western Union cash transfers are not traceable, preventing
law enforcement from tracking suspects. If you receive any phone calls, U.S. mail or e-mails in
which you are asked to send any amount of money, please do not reply. Most legal sweepstakes and games of chance
do not require the winner to post an earnest or good faith deposit as a
processing fee before they process your prize.
Remember, if
it’s too good to be true, it usually is!
If you have any questions or if you think you are the
victim of an attempted fraudulent solicitation, please contact the Treasure
Island Police Department at 727-547-4595.
View monthly traffic and
crime reports and the TI Police Blotter at http://www.mytreasureisland.org/police/index.htm
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