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7/14/2010

Lexington, KY - Central Kentuckians are being sent mailings containing what looks like certificates worth hundreds of dollars to use towards things like computers, jewelry and other electronics. So what's the catch?

Consumers have sent copies of the mailing to your Better Business Bureau. It shows photos of luxurious watches, a digital camcorder, cookware, and computers. Also included: vouchers made out for $400 each. The recipient can use these towards the cost of the items listed in the brochure. What a deal!

But your BBB took a closer look. The mailing comes from Sweepstakes Clearinghouse in Dallas, Texas. The back of the vouchers have lots of fine print. It offers a chance to pay the balance by credit card, check or layaway. At the bottom, it mentions a shipping & handling fee….but it does NOT say HOW MUCH. You want to figure that in when deciding if you really are getting a good deal. The company does suggest you do comparison shopping locally.

But an even closer look shows that the offer to buy a laptop computer does not let you choose which brand…it's whatever is "in stock." AND, just so you know, they are not brand new…but remanufactured computers.

The BBB in Dallas gives Sweepstakes Clearinghouse an F rating, for a pattern of complaints alleging slow delivery, non-receipt of refunds, poor product quality, and bad customer service. The company has resolved complaints, but the BBB there believes the company has not substantiated its claims of national reference retail price statements.

If you get an offer like this seeming to offer expensive merchandise for little money, do some more investigation to be sure it's true so you 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.