Sweepstakes Posing as the AGA is a Fraud

May 29, 2007

Recently, a telephone scam has started that claims to be the American Gaming Association (AGA). The people who are operating this campaign have called consumers informing them they have won a large sum of money through an alleged AGA sweepstakes, and that all is needed is for the consumer to send a few thousand dollars to confirm the prize. Frequently, the scam artists have asked the money be sent to Costa Rica, and if the consumer did not fall for the fraud at first, they would call back to urge them to wire the money “before time ran out.” This sweepstakes is a fraud, and is not affiliated with the AGA in any way. These people are preying on innocent consumers to send money to try to win a non-existent prize, and using the AGA’s name for their own illegal activities.

TELEMARKETING TIPS
DO NOT SEND MONEY to anyone who contacts you on the phone about a sweepstakes or other prize, particularly if you did not sign up for it. 

DO NOT GIVE PERSONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OR PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE.

For more information on protecting yourself from telemarketing fraud, visit the Federal Trade Commission Web site. If you would like to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission on this behavior, click here.

The American Gaming Association takes consumer safety and protection seriously and thanks you for your support.