Publishers Sweepstakes Scam, deceptive, illegal Don't Know Alabama

This is a warning to all of those who are now getting scams VIA their cell phones. Now that the Government so graciously handed out our cell records to those retards we have tried to avoid forever we can thank them later. Any how, there had been several attempts to contact me from these cell numbers 1-800-828-8471 and 1-866-520-6449. When I got tired of hearing the phone ringing I answered it and it was a lady who had claimed to be with PUBLISHERS SWEEPSTAKES her name is "Lisa Clark," so if anyone by this name calls you tell her where to go. As is stands though, she had stated that I was a finalist in the drawing of $1,000,000...yes that a million dollars! So, curious as to where this was going and all ready had been a knowledgeable consumer with scams, I used to work in News for 6 years so I have heard of many scams, I was eager to egg her on and see how far it would go.

So this "Lisa" tells me that my name was drawn into the contest and it had 30 days left from today until it ended and IF I won SHE wanted to personally be there when I won the $$. So, where they are actually getting my info is still kinda creepy to me because they knew my place of residency and that I have a VISA debit card, which they also stated that was the reason why I was in the sweepstakes. As the conversation went on she had punched some numbers into her system and low and behold "WOW!, you also won a $400 gas card, I have NEVER seen this before," she had stated. Needless to say the B.S. train was running pretty smoothly on her end. We then got into magazines and which ones (of 5) that I wanted and it would cost a monthly charge of $19.95 so she sent me to another "agent" to verify my credit card info so that I can get my magazines and I would be on this plan for about 15 months. He was asking about my current info and if it was correct and about my place of business, in which I gave a bogus answer to.

After a few more questions he had enough of reading from his computer and at the same time he is talking to me I can hear the same B.S. coming from another agent in the background. So, knowingly heading for the reason he called me I waited until he asked me to "verify your credit card information," which turned into a game I like to play called "LIE...TO...THE SCAMMER!," it's a fun game EVERYONE should play. He ran it through of course and magically it came up wrong and invalid so he wanted me to read the number again just to verify I did not miss a number. So, I read him the bogus first 4 numbers and then hung up the phone.

So, in a world where people get their jollies off taking good hard earned income from those who are trying to make it in this crappy economy I would advise people to NEVER give ANY information out over the phone that has to deal with personal bank, housing, work, or anything else of this nature over the phone to anyone who seems to be selling or giving away anything that sounds too good to be true. It is very easy for those who don't know to get taken advantage of so pass on ANY and ALL reports to those like Grandma and Grandpa who are not up to speed with technology or cell phones. Maybe Aunt and Uncle Not in the loop need a reality session as well. Mom and Dad are always a good first group to tell, because when they are giving money to someone like that...they don't have any to give to someone like you.

Be aware and be cautious ALWAYS. DO NOT be afraid to ask questions to those on the other line and with all else fails...HANG UP THE PHONE! if there are blocks on your phone, use them. Many of these scam companies have multiple phone numbers, but if you don't know who it is just don't answer it. We have become a society of repetition and answering the phone DOES NOT have to be a must anymore. Thats why they come with a silent feature! So, be well and take the advice of others who know...it could save you from financial ruins.

Robert
Randall, Minnesota
U.S.A.