Scam sends
sweepstakes ‘check’

"Winners" are told to send money
to claim the rest of the prize

The Better Business Bureau of Hawaii is warning consumers about a scam that purports to send sweepstakes prize money on a bogus check with the name of a legitimate local or mainland bank.

The BBB said the check looks legitimate, and an accompanying letter instructs consumers to deposit it and call a number for further instructions on how to claim the rest of the "prize." The "winner" is told to deposit the check and send $300 or more by a MoneyGram to an Arlington, Texas, address so the rest of the prize can be sent.

In a few days, the bank notifies the customer that the check is counterfeit and has bounced, according to BBB officials, who say that the money sent to Texas will never be recovered.

The scam appears to run out of Canada, operating under several names: International Lottery Corp. USA and International Clearing House.

BBB officials warn consumers who receive a letter or phone call announcing that they have won money that legitimate sweepstakes don't require payment of taxes, shipping and handling or any other fee to get a prize. U.S. law prohibits requirements that something be purchased to enter a sweepstakes contest or to receive sweepstakes mailings.

BB officials also advise consumers: