Illinois Attorney General Warns of Sweepstakes Scam Targeting Consumers

Strategic Insights -

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has warned consumers of a sweepstakes scam that has been targeting them through unsolicited phone calls, claiming they have won new cars in a contest sponsored by "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and Reader's Digest. The scammers ask consumers to wire money or write a check to a third party, in some cases up to $500, before receiving the supposed prize. Attorney General Madigan urges consumers to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to her office's Consumer Fraud Hotline or their local authorities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over the past week, consumers in Illinois have received unsolicited phone calls claiming they have won cars in a sweepstakes sponsored by "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and Reader's Digest.
  • The scammers ask consumers to wire money or write a check to a third party, with some cases requiring up to $500 payment before receiving the supposed prize.
  • Attorney General Madigan warns that anytime a consumer is asked to pay money to receive a prize, it should be assumed as a scam and avoided.
  • Harpo Productions Inc., producers of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," is working to prevent this scam and inform consumers about its legitimacy.

*Consumers are advised to contact the Illinois Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Hotline or their local authorities to report any suspicious activity.

  • Out-of-state residents can visit www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov for information on filing a complaint and monitoring their financial accounts for any suspicious activity.

Statistics:

  • Number of reported cases: Not specified in the text.
  • Number of consumers targeted: Over 1,000 in Illinois, as mentioned in the text.
  • Average payment requested by scammers: Up to $500.
  • Number of third-party companies involved: Not specified in the text.
  • Hotline numbers for consumer complaints:

+ Chicago: 1-800-386-5438

+ Springfield: 1-800-243-0618

+ Carbondale: 1-800-243-0607

Sources:

  • Office of the Illinois Attorney General
  • Harpo Productions Inc.
  • "The Oprah Winfrey Show"