American Cash Awards Company James/John Cooper Phishing/Scam Telephone Nationwide

I was just contacted by "James Cooper" of "American Cash Awards Company" by telephone. First of all, the number shows as "private" - not a good sign.

"Mr. Cooper" (obviously not his real name) has an Indian accent. In the background, I could hear a rooster crowing.

 Mr. Cooper informed me that I had won $850,000, and that I was the first place winner for this month. Supposedly, my entry (using my telephone number, apparently) was due to my "shopping on-time" and paying my bills on-time. He told me that I would receive this by UPS today - how I would receive this the same day I was contacted is beyond me.

Mr. Cooper is very adamant about me copying down information, and made me read it back to him, repeatedly.

The scam: he wanted me to proceed to the nearest CVS and buy a "greenbacked insurance release form", essentially a pre-paid credit card, it seems, for $500. He wanted me to remain on the line while I went to CVS to purchase it, and to let him known when I had received it.

The mistake: besides the fact that the entire concept is nigh-impossible, he got his own alias wrong twice.

If I find out how he got my number (other than a random dialer), the company responsible is going to have a very bad day.