How would you react if you heard, "Congratulations, your prize has been reserved!" over the phone?
The message is part of a sophisticated phone scam plaguing Central Texas, and is responsible for stealing millions of dollars from Americans each year.
Joann Keilberg and her husband Jim almost fell for it. The Smithville, Texas, couple received a call in July from someone claiming to work for Publishers Clearing House.
"I was happy," Keilburg said.
The caller said the won couple won $3.5 million and a new car. Then, the Keilbergs were instructed to call a phone number and were instructed to input a six-digit number exclusive to them.
"Congratulations, your prize has been reserved! Please proceed to event headquarters during event times to claim your prize," announced a recording after dialing the number.
The KVUE Defenders put it to the test, using several random six-digit numbers. Every combination tried worked. The Austin Better Business Bureau said that's a clear sign it's a scam.
"It really brings some legitimacy that you may in fact have won a prize," said Erin Dufner with Austin's BBB.
But, the Keilbergs still got in their car and headed to Wal-Mart. The caller said all they had to do was fill out a MoneyGram and wire $200 to a Jamaican address to pay for taxes on their prize.
Once they wired the money, the caller told the Keilbergs the prize patrol van would show up at their front door.
Before they did, the Keilberg's called the real Publishers Clearing House, which confirmed the calls were a scam.
While it may be difficult to believe people still fall for this fraud, a 2014 congressional report estimates Jamaican lottery scammers steal more than $300 million each year from U.S. citizens. An elderly woman in New Jersey committed suicide in 2014 after losing her life savings to the scammers.
"The issue is that they can be very difficult to find. They are asking people to wire money which is very difficult to trace and almost impossible to get back because it's almost like cash," Dufner said.
Law enforcement said to look-out for area "876" area codes. Those number are often associated with a call from Jamaica, where the scam originates.
Jamaica?
Heck, no...I couldn't even get her to go out with me.
I guess some people really believe the IRS has an office in Jamaica
CrAzY Humans
Wow, I had something similar to that happen to me last month. I received a call from someone with a Washington, D.C. number stating they were from the U.S. Treasury and I had been awarded a $8,000 grant to do whatever I wanted to do with as long as it wasn't for illegal activities or gambling. I was given a 6 digit number and instructed to call another number for details on how to claim my grant. When I called the other number I was told the same thing and that the money was tax free and I didn't have to claim it on my taxes. That was my first red flag but I continued on. I asked why did I receive this grant and was told because I was a loyal U.S. citizen and paid my taxes loyally and on time. That was another red flag because I haven't done my taxes for last year, lol. I continued on listening and was told those key words that lets you know it's a fake........ To claim your grant(reward) just send $250 for processing and local taxes. I hung up on him then. It sounds like the same scheme they used there just changed organization.
I'd probably die laughing if someone tried that on me seeing that I live south of DC
I cant believe people are so gullible. The lotteries say all the time you dont have to send any money to collect on prizes. Why do people think they must do it without investigation to see whats exactly going on. Its beyond me.
I would laugh to if they call me and said i won on PCH. I absolutly refuse to enter anything on PCH. I did try and sign up one time from the ads here on lottery post.... I was blasted with email after email....I kept trying to unsubscribe but no luck, they kept sending them....took over 30 days to get it stopped. So no more clearing house for me.
Hmmm... Kind of reminds me of the annoying ads right here on lottery post. "YOU ARE A WINNER! THIS IS NO JOKE!" . I can't believe the Post allows such advertisement, but then there is that greed factor aforementioned... seems nothing is sacred.
Reminds me of the movie Matchstick Men. They don't steal money, they're given money willingly
I am getting emails 10 times a day from scammers,my replay is .......I dont understand.or Im rich enough you can keep the money.I love telling them off.
One simple rule: You should NEVER have to pay one single cent for anything you have won or that is advertised as free. If anyone says you have won something or says it is free, and you have to pay even one cent, then there is a 100% chance it is a scam.
While we are on the subject of scams, the second rule is: Treat ALL unsolicited emails and phone calls as scams.
You would think that with all the news about lottery scams people would know you don't have to pay to collect a prize you won. This is not new.
'But, the Keilbergs still got in their car and headed to Wal-Mart. The caller said all they had to do was fill out a MoneyGram and wire $200 to a Jamaican address to pay for taxes on their prize.
Once they wired the money, the caller told the Keilbergs the prize patrol van would show up at their front door.
Before they did, the Keilberg's called the real Publishers Clearing House, which confirmed the calls were a scam.'
Did they really need to be told it was a scam? What have they got between their ears?
PALEEZEE...
"You can't cheat an honest man!"
~W.C. Fields
Eddessa_Knight