Better Biz Bureau warns against sweepstakes scam
The local Better Business Bureau sent out a warning today to tip off area consumers to a mail scam bearing the BBB name.
According to a BBB news release, consumers in several southeastern states, including North Carolina, have received a letter bearing the name of JG Wentworth & Associates. The letter claims that the recipient is a winner of a U.S.A. Mega Millions Jackpot and that he has been approved for a lump-sum payment of $1.2 million, said local BBB president Pauline Morrison.
The letter includes a check for $3,000 and instructs the recipient to deposit the check in the bank and wire the same amount to a Canadian address. Red flag, anyone?
The consumers who fall for the scam find that the deposited funds aren't available a few days later. At that point, well, they're pretty much screwed. Not only have they said goodbye to $3,000, but they've also given up personal data, including bank account numbers, that could put them in danger of identity theft.
The BBB particularly has its hackles up over this scam because the letter claims the company is a "proud member of the International Better Business Bureau," according to the news release.
That's kind of funny, because:
a) There is no International BBB.
b) The company isn't a member of any U.S. or Canadian BBB.
c) Penn.-based company J.G. Wentworth is a BBB member.
To check whether a company really is a BBB member, hit up the main Web site.