Wal-Mart Name Used in Latest Foreign Lottery Scam
Your phone rings, its “Wal-Mart Computer Systems” calling to tell you that you’ve won 9.8 million dollars!
Local consumers have been contacted by “Victor Vasquez” telling them that they’ve won
2nd prize in their sweepstakes. All the consumer needs to do to get their winnings is to pay an insurance fee of $1600 via Western Union. According to Victor, the insurance fee would be used to pay for UPS (United Parcel Service) and a U.S. Marshal to deliver the money to the winner. The determined scammer even went as far as suggesting that one of the consumers obtain a loan or borrow money so she could send him the funds.
Upon investigation it was discovered that “Victor” was actually calling from Kingston, Jamaica. The Wal-Mart name is fraudulently being used to lend credibility to the scheme. Wal-Mart is not running a sweepstakes or using the name Wal-Mart Computer Systems.
Foreign lottery scams continue to proliferate at an alarming pace. To protect yourself the BBB urges consumers to keep the following facts in mind:
• There should never be any type of fee associated with winning a lottery or sweepstakes. Scammers typically tell victims that the monies are used for processing, insurance or taxes.
• Just because a company is using a familiar name (like Wal-Mart) does not mean that they represent or are in any way affiliated with the firm. Know who you are really talking to. If you’re in doubt, ask for contact information and then verify it with a reputable source.
• Never send money to a stranger using a money transfer service.
• Contact the BBB to check any offers you receive - 636-1155 or bbb.org.
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