Quotations from a (6 Red Flag rated) SCAM letter sent by: “Sweepstakes Clearinghouse”
Please remember, the quotations below are from the SCAM letter of “Sweepstakes Clearinghouse” _not_ by mailscamalert.com.
“a division of Allied Marketing Group, Inc.
“Congratulations First_Name Last_Name:
“PLEASE READ THIS LETTER CAREFULLY, AS YOU HAVE BEEN ISSUED $410.00 CREDIT VOUCHERS.
# 1 “This
letter is to inform you that you have been issued three (3) $410.00 credit vouchers
in the TEN MILLION DOLLAR SWEEPSTAKES CLEARINGHOUSE GIVEAWAY.
“Accordingly, this is an official notice and the following information is true:
“1. The attached credit vouchers are_yoursYour credit voucher(s) may be applied toward your choice(s) of any of the quality name brand products featured in the enclosed catalog brochures. You may claim a maximum of up to 3 items only.
“2. To take advantage of your credit vouchers: Simply fill out the attached Claim Form. The remaining balance may be paid by personal check or money order, MasterCard®, Visa or® the Discover® Card. Like many of our credit voucher recipients, you may prefer to use our INTEREST-FREE LAY-A-WAY plan by paying only $10 down and $10 or more per month per item ($25 per item if the remaining balance due is over $200).
# 2 “Please note - your credit
vouchers are personalized with your name on them. They are extremely valuable and are for your
usage only. Please note that they expire on JANUARY 16, 201x, and in order to take advantage
of your credit voucher(s) you must return them by that date.
# 3 “Be advised
that the claim deadline is subject to our strict grace period. So be sure
to return your credit voucher(s) in the enclosed return envelope immediately.
# 4 “Again, congratulations
First_Name Last_Name! Credit Vouchers like these have the power to dramatically change
people’s lives.
“We are sincerely happy to pass on this wonderful news to you.”
Please remember, the quotations above are from the SCAM letter of “Sweepstakes Clearinghouse” _not_ by mailscamalert.com.
# 1 You say you don’t remember
entering any contest that would have offered these prizes? Well, it was only a “TEN
MILLION DOLLAR SWEEPSTAKES”, that would be easily forgot... Or, perhaps you may be
thinking of a Publishers Clearing House Sweepstake? Red
flag #1 should be that this may not be what it seems if you have no memory of
entering any sweepstakes! (return to # 1 Red Flag above)
# 2 The date of expiration is well over two
years after my aunt died. This is simply an indication that this mailing is nothing more than
a mass mailing to everyone on the purchased mailing list. Unlike the other SCAMs on this site,
they are offering you some real merchandise. The problem for you is to confirm that the items
are even worth what you will have to pay (plus shipping, of course).
(return to # 2 Red Flag above)
# 3 The mailing I got was postmarked Dec.
22, 2012. It was sent third-class, so it was not delivered until approximately two and a half
weeks before they expire. This is the normal behavior of most SCAMmers; always attempt to
get the recipient to make a decision with as little time to investigate as possible.
(return to # 3 Red Flag above)
# 4 First, remember that you did
not win any contest nor even a drawing. This letter is mailed to thousands of people,
just like you. Secondly, how does buying merchandise “dramatically change people’s
lives”? While it may make it easier to do certain tasks and it may make life more
enjoyable in certain areas, it certainly doesn’t affect your life in meaningful ways. Of
course, spending money on cheap merchandise can negatively affect your life,
financially and emotionally. Somehow, I don’t think that is the message this SCAM wants
you to hear.
(return to # 4 Red Flag above)
# 5 I hope you have a magnifying glass to
read the fine print on the order form that you must sign. Unfortunately, I think the chances of
actually getting a refund will be similar to those “100% Satisfaction” guarantees
offered on all the other SCAMs on this site. In other words, your chances of a refund are
slim to none! I have been asked to help get a refund by someone who purchased
merchandise from this SCAM. Unfortunately, I have absolutely no connection or contact with any
of these SCAMs. I would doubt any of them would be interested in hearing from me anyway, since
I would hardly be considered one of their supporters! I can still say, after this site being up
for several years, that I have never, ever heard of any ‘guaranteed’ refund ever
being paid.
(return to # 5 Red Flag above)
I’ll call this
# 6 ! Please be aware that you will
be charged for “shipping and handling.” It is stated in the fine print at the
bottom of the Claim Form. But you will have no way of knowing how much these costs will be, of
course. Most reputable companies provide a way to compute those costs or print an estimated
amount on their mailings.