On October 19, 2006, at approximately 12:25pm, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department received a telephone call from a 19 year-old woman reporting that she had been the victim of a fraud.  The victim said she received a letter in the mail indicating she won a prize through Publisher’s Clearinghouse.  The letter specifically told her she had won $50,000 in cash; however, in order to receive the funds, the victim had to first pay $3,000 in international tax and processing fees.  The victim called a contact person listed in the letter who further sweetened the deal by telling the victim she would receive a check in the mail for $2,950.00 to cover the costs.  All the victim had to do was cash the check at her bank and send a money order for $3,000.00 back to the company.  She was promised that her winnings would be sent to her after this transaction.

The victim received a money order for $2,950.00 as promised.  She took the money order to her bank and deposited the funds into her personal account.  She then forwarded $3,000.00 to the company.  The victim was notified by the bank several days later that the money order was fraudulent, and she was responsible for absorbing the $3,000.00 loss. 

Avoid promises of instant wealth, “free” gifts, incredible discounts and bargains.  Research the business.  Do an Internet search on the name of the product/company, verify any contact and company details.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.