|
CONSUMER NEWS RECALLS COMPLAINT FORM SCAM ALERTS |
| Small Claims Guide | Class Actions | Lemon Law | FAQ | Resources | Newsletters | Spanish | |
|
|
![]() |
Beware "El Gordo"Consumers Warned About Spanish Lottery Scam |
|||
|
December 1, 2003
According to the Spanish government, consumers in the United States may receive phony letters, as well as forged materials purporting to be from Spanish banks, that claim that these consumers have been the “lucky winners” of a large cash prize. To claim the prize, the consumer is told he or she must pay a sum that goes toward the taxes, bank costs, and processing fees necessary to deliver the prize money. The real drawing for the “El Gordo” prize takes place during the holiday season. The Spanish government indicates that the fraudsters who carry out the phony drawing use the actual addresses of official Spanish organizations to make their scam appear legitimate. If you receive a letter this holiday season claiming you have won a big prize in a foreign lottery, do not pay any money – it is a scam. The FTC reminds U.S. consumers that participating in a foreign lottery is illegal. Points to remember:
The FTC encourages consumers to give any suspicious “lottery” material from a foreign country to a local postmaster. You can also report it to the FTC at www.ftc.gov or 1-877-FTC-HELP, or contact your state Attorney General. |
|||
Back to the top | News |
||||
Advertisement
|
Home |
Rogues Gallery |
Good Guys |
Complaint Form |
News |
Recalls |
Search |
Video |
FAQ |
|
Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use
Copyright © 2003-2008 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. All Rights Reserved. |