“I cannot stress this point more; if it sounds too good to be true, it is. You are strongly advised not to comply with such solicitation,” said Attorney General Lenny Rapadas.
“It could put you in a terrible financial situation. Hang up immediately or delete emails that sound too good to be true. The names of the people and companies may change, but the scam is the same: They want to steal your money or your identity so they can steal your money,” he adds.
Among the reports made include a woman contacted by Yuan Dong of Yuan Dong Technology Group in Hong Kong and being told she won $150,000.
But in order for the woman to claim her prize, she would have to send $9,000 for taxes. The woman informed the individual on the phone she didn’t have the money and the caller instead asked for $7,000, then $3,000, and finally $1,000. The caller then asked if the woman could sign a promissory note to pay for the taxes and even asked for her bank account number and information in order for her winnings to be wired to her account.
Another case involved an actual meeting between the victim and a caller who invited him to a party sponsored by Asia Pacific Travel at Tagachang Beach in Yoña. The victim went to the party but didn’t stay long. A couple of days later, an unidentified person called him and said he won $150,000, but before he could claim the prize, he would have to call a man named “Sean” at the Asia Pacific Travel claims department in Malaysia by calling 60172793051.
The victim called “Sean” and was told he would have to send $2,250. The victim received another phone call from a man identified as Raymond Chong, operations manager for a finance institution in Hong Kong. The victim said Chong told him he had only a week to claim his prize or it would be voided.
The AG’s office received an email from Maria Bongi Ntuli who claimed to be the deputy minister of social development in South Africa. The woman claimed she suffered from a stroke and has cancer, adding she has only six months to live. Additionally, she claimed she and her deceased husband had $30.5 million at a bank in South Africa and would donate the money to those who are into Christian projects. She also noted that further communication made to her email [email protected] stated her as the benefactor of the money. The following phone number was also listed: +27785380932.
“We would like to urge the public not to send any money or give out any personal information such as name, date of birth, social security numbers and bank account information,” said Rapadas.
Consumers who are contacted by any of the aforementioned agencies are asked to report any calls or emails to Bernie Alvarez, Consumer Advocate for the Office of the Attorney General, at [email protected].
