Sweepstakes Check Scam

News Release
Published: September 30, 2008

The New Bern Police Department is warning citizens of a sweepstakes check scam that lures people into wiring large sums of money to the scammers.  The victims receive a letter indicating they have won $100,000 through the North American Sweepstakes.

However, in order to collect the prize, victims are told they must pay government taxes on the winnings before the money can be released.  As proof of winnings, the scammers enclose a forged check from a legitimate bank in the amount of $4,900, for the purpose of covering the tax fees. The victim is instructed to call a specified tax agent and wire $3,900 via MoneyGram or Western Union, before a final check for the sum of $95,100 can be mailed to them. Shortly thereafter, the check bounces and the victim loses the money sent to the scammers.

The New Bern Police Department warns everyone this is a fraudulent attempt to receive money from victims, and appears to be linked to a Nigerian scam ring.  Several letters and checks have been reported to police by New Bern residents.

It is important to remember that if you have not entered a lottery, you can not win prize money.  It is also important to note that taxes are usually deducted from any prize money and are not typically paid by the winner prior to being able to collect the winnings.

If you have been the victim of this type of activity or you have any questions concerning these activities, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

The New Bern Police Department is committed to Community Policing.  Citizens are encouraged to become a “Partner in Policing,” by reporting suspected illegal activity to the New Bern Police Department’s TIPS line at (252) 636-5034 or the Craven County Crime Stoppers line at 633-5141.