News Summary
A Detroit couple, the Eubanks family, reported being scammed in a fraudulent lottery scheme where they were promised $750,000. The scammers requested an upfront tax payment of nearly $9,000. Experts from the Better Business Bureau warn that no legitimate lottery organization would demand payment before releasing winnings. Another resident, Maria Reyes, experienced a similar scam involving various prize offers. The BBB emphasizes the importance of caution and reporting suspicious activities.
Detroit – A local couple from Detroit fell victim to a fraudulent lottery scam, revealing the ongoing issue of sweepstakes fraud that is targeting unsuspecting individuals. The couple, known as the Eubanks family, received a letter claiming they had won $750,000 from Publishers Clearing House, but were instructed to pay a fee of $8,900.40 to cover taxes before claiming their prize. Investigative reports highlighted that requests for upfront payments for prize winnings are significant red flags indicating a scam.
After realizing that they were involved in a hoax, the Eubanks family sought assistance from the media. They disclosed that the scam also involved cashing a check sent by the fraudster to cover the purported tax fees. This common tactic is employed by scammers to con their victims into unwittingly transferring money to them.
Maria Reyes, another local resident, reported similar experiences with multiple scam calls indicating large prize winnings. One call claimed she had won $1.9 million, while another promised her a 2023 Porsche, contingent upon an upfront payment. In one particularly alarming case, the scammers even suggested accompanying Reyes to the bank to facilitate the collection of the payment.
Experts from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) have issued warnings regarding such scams. Laura Blankenship, a representative, emphasized that no legitimate organization would ever arrange to drive someone to a bank for the purpose of collecting money. She noted that two individuals have reported falling prey to a similar scam involving this “driving” method, although they managed to avoid financial loss.
Furthermore, the BBB advised consumers to report any suspicious scams they encounter to local authorities and to use the BBB Scam Tracker as a tool for reporting fraudulent activity. It is crucial for consumers to recognize that legitimate contests require individuals to actively enter in order to win prizes. The BBB also highlighted that one never has to pay upfront to collect winnings, as taxes on prizes should ultimately be reported on income tax returns.
The AARP recently issued warnings regarding scams that originate from phone numbers with area codes 809, 876, or 284, which are frequently associated with countries like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the British Virgin Islands. These regions appear to be popular sources of fraudulent lottery calls and may target individuals across different demographics. Reyes rooted her concerns particularly for senior citizens but acknowledged that anyone with financial resources is a potential target for such scams.
The alarming case of the Eubanks family serves as a reminder for individuals to remain vigilant and educate themselves about these scams. It is critical to understand that legitimate lottery winnings will never require upfront payments or the cashing of checks as a condition to secure a prize. The community is encouraged to be proactive in recognizing the signs of a scam and to seek assistance immediately if they suspect fraudulent activity.
In recent years, sweepstakes fraud has become more sophisticated, employing various methods to deceive individuals. Awareness and education are key in combating these fraudulent schemes. Consumers are encouraged to consult trusted resources when navigating potential winnings and should always be cautious of unsolicited calls or letters claiming they have won a lottery or sweepstakes.
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Additional Resources
- ClickOnDetroit: Detroit Family Warns Others After Sweepstakes Scam
- Wikipedia: Scams
- ClickOnDetroit: Scam Alert on Lottery Win Hoax
- Google Search: Lottery Scams
- WXYZ: Warning Issued Over New Spin on Lottery and Prize Scams
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sweepstakes
- WBCKFM: Michigan Sheriff Scam
- Google News: Prize Scams
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
