| Crime is everywhere and all around us. Not all crime is | | | | scammed: |
| requires the use of stun guns or pepper spray to | | | | • Does the promoter ask for your bank account |
| thwart a potential assault or robbery. Some crimes | | | | information, checking account number, credit card |
| are perpetrated by white collar or blue collar people | | | | number, or other personal account information? A |
| who take advantage of others when they least | | | | real prize company like Ed McMahon's Publisher |
| expect it. | | | | Clearing House will not ask you for this to declare |
| Did you get a circular in the mail stating that you won | | | | you a winner. |
| Ed McMahon's sweepstakes? If so, do not get too | | | | • Do they ask you to take action now and make |
| excited yet or you might lose your money to a con | | | | a payment right away? Are they asking you to wire |
| artist. | | | | money? Are you pressurized to make a payment |
| Every day, many Americans receive sweepstakes | | | | within a designated timeline to collect your prize? |
| offers, but not all of them are legitimate. How can | | | | Evaluate the offer first. Contact a U.S. Postal |
| you discern the difference between a real | | | | Inspector to verify that you are dealing with a |
| sweepstakes offer and a scheme designed to part | | | | legitimate sweepstakes offer. |
| you from your hard earned money? As a general | | | | • Does the advertising clearly state that no |
| rule, you should never have to pay a fee to claim | | | | purchase is necessary to win and a purchase will not |
| your prize in case you actually win. | | | | necessarily increase your chances of winning? You |
| Real sweepstakes are fun and free. They state that | | | | never have to pay any money to play or to collect |
| there is no purchase needed to win and buying a | | | | your winnings when the sweepstakes is legitimate. |
| product will not increase your chances of winning. | | | | If you know how to recognize the warning signs, |
| You never have to pay anything to collect a prize. | | | | fraud is one of the few crimes in which victims can |
| If you are ever required to pay some money, then | | | | decline to partake. Consumer advocates stress that |
| run fast. This is a scam. | | | | consumer education is the best weapon to |
| Officials at the U.S. Postal Service recommend that | | | | combating these crooked criminals. |
| you ask yourself these questions to prevent being | | | | |