"Dept. of Award Entitlement Distribution"

3/10/2010

Lexington, KY - The con artists sometimes go to great lengths to fool you into falling for their schemes. There's another sweepstakes scam hitting area mailboxes that has jazzed itself up a bit…

A consumer sent this mailing to your Better Business Bureau. It even has SOUND effects! The enclosed card, when opened, has this recording:

"This is a confidential message from the director's office. You appear to be eligible for millions of dollars in cash and prizes. I have prepared paperwork with sponsor deadlines and claim instructions. You must respond according to official sponsor rules to remain eligible. These time sensitive documents enclosed require your signature."

They really want your attention by sending a card with sound.

The company, calling itself the Department of Award Entitlement Distribution, also sent paperwork with official looking language and markings. The clincher…at the bottom, they tell the consumer he must pay a "Document Release Fee" of $40 for secure processing for his $5.4 million dollar prize.

But the so-called "winner" would not get any money…as can be seen on the back in the fine print, like many other similar ones, the fee is to buy information on sweepstakes that you can enter. This company is not awarding money at all.

As we've told you before, it's against the law to require you to pay to get a prize. If you get this mailing, don't fall for it!

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Be a "Don’t Fall for It!" informant! If you have something to share you believe may be a fraudulent offer or scam, please let the BBB know! Call us at (859) 259-1008 or toll-free, 1-800-866-6668, or email us at info@lexbbb.com.