Steve [Not A Lawyer]
Bradenton,#2Consumer Suggestion
Mon, January 01, 2007
Mary, First, let me tell you that the address for these scammers is nothing more than a private mailbox. You need to file a complaint with the POSTAL INSPECTORS for mail fraud, as well as the FBI financial crimes division. If you paid with a check, you can request a front and back copy of it from your bank which will tell you exactly who cashed it. Also, if you file a police report and complaint, they can subpoena the mail box place for the name and address of the boxholder. Then you can file small claims against them, as well as criminal charges. In NV, defrauding someone of over $250 in cash or merchandise is a felony. If they cannot prove there is an actual sweepstakes and prove an actual winning recipient, they are guilty of fraud. Also keep in mind that unless you actually enter a sweepstakes, it is very unlikely you will win one. This is the common sense aspect of it. There is no free money. Did you enter this sweepstakes? And, any up front fee to "win" something is guaranteed to be a scam. You never mentioned how much money you sent them or by exactly what method of payment. As far as all of the other "sweepstakes" offers you are getting, it is because you are now on a mailing list. You should always thoroughly investigate anyone you do not know before sending them your money. It will be very hard to get your money back. Might just be an investment in knowledge.
Thomas
Anderson,#3Consumer Comment
Sat, December 30, 2006
Some people have reported losing $2000, to as much as $5000. Is this a new twist: Add time pressuer by specifying a 48 hour response so people do not stop to think or check for reports of similar scams? I do wonder why many people come to this site after their misadventure(?).... while only a few seem to come before their misadventure. These scams must look very believeable (I never saw one, and I do not expect to see one). You should file a police report, but it may not get your money back. Read some other reports to see what others suggested.
Thomas
Anderson,#4Consumer Comment
Sat, December 30, 2006
Some people have reported losing $2000, to as much as $5000. Is this a new twist: Add time pressuer by specifying a 48 hour response so people do not stop to think or check for reports of similar scams? I do wonder why many people come to this site after their misadventure(?).... while only a few seem to come before their misadventure. These scams must look very believeable (I never saw one, and I do not expect to see one). You should file a police report, but it may not get your money back. Read some other reports to see what others suggested.
Thomas
Anderson,#5Consumer Comment
Sat, December 30, 2006
Some people have reported losing $2000, to as much as $5000. Is this a new twist: Add time pressuer by specifying a 48 hour response so people do not stop to think or check for reports of similar scams? I do wonder why many people come to this site after their misadventure(?).... while only a few seem to come before their misadventure. These scams must look very believeable (I never saw one, and I do not expect to see one). You should file a police report, but it may not get your money back. Read some other reports to see what others suggested.
Thomas
Anderson,#6Consumer Comment
Sat, December 30, 2006
Some people have reported losing $2000, to as much as $5000. Is this a new twist: Add time pressuer by specifying a 48 hour response so people do not stop to think or check for reports of similar scams? I do wonder why many people come to this site after their misadventure(?).... while only a few seem to come before their misadventure. These scams must look very believeable (I never saw one, and I do not expect to see one). You should file a police report, but it may not get your money back. Read some other reports to see what others suggested.