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| University
Police Department 4202 East Fowler Avenue (UPB002) Tampa, Florida 33620 813.974.2628 Main 813.974.5616 Fax http://www.usfpd.usf.edu |
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CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATION DIVISION |
| A STATE ACCREDITED LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY | THOMAS
G. LONGO, CHIEF |
COMMUNITY
CRIME ALERT
| FROM: | Criminal Investigation Division |
| RE: | Canadian Sweepstakes Scam |
| DATE: | April 7, 2008 |
Victim received an unsolicited letter in the United States mail postmarked from Canada. Envelope contained Winning Notification of the Consumers Clearing House Sweepstakes and a check for $4950.00. Victim was instructed to deposit check and then instructed to go to a Wal-Mart or Seven Eleven store nearest him and either use MoneyGram or Western Union and send $2950.00 to a receiver in Downsview Ontario Canada. Victim did in fact complete the instructions, even though the MoneyGram form on page 1 clearly states "HELP PREVENT CONSUMER FRAUD" and asks “Are you sending money to claim lottery or prize winnings?" If so, ask the sales clerk to stop the transfer and call MoneyGram at 1-800-MONEYGRAM. The amount of $2950.00 was successfully sent to Toronto Canada at victim’s request. Check was returned back to the credit union as stolen and not valid. Victim went back to Wal-Mart and attempted to stop the transfer but was too late. Victim now owes the bank $2950.00. Consumer education is one of the top weapons in fighting fraud. Visit the
United States Postal Inspection Service to view “Consumer Awareness”. |