'Get Rich Quick'...oldest trick in the book!

The email pretends to be a notification of a lottery win for Coca-Cola...the person who receives it is told they are one of only 20 lucky winners around the world who have been selected at random after computers found their email address online. Now, in order for the person to collect on their winnings...they must first call or fax an agent who claims to be working on behalf of Coca-Cola. Of course...all this is, is a ruse to steal your money and personal identity. It's a variation of the dreaded Nigerian sweepstakes scam. PLEASE DON'T FALL FOR IT!

*Remember, legitimate sweepstakes companies will not require you to pay taxes or fees before ever collecting on your winnings.

*You can also ask yourself this...did I enter the sweepstakes or lottery in question. It's likely you didn't...therefore you're not eligible to win in the first place.

Please forward all suspicious emails to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

I'm Scott Hines...In Your Corner!

IYC Scam Alert

Our In Your Corner team is putting out a warning about a phone scam circulating the metro. Scammers posing as attorneys with the United Nations is harassing Americans...including a handful of people right here in Oklahoma. They use threats of lawsuits and jail time and to try to trick you into sending them money. DO NOT FALL FOR THEIR LIES AND DECEPTION! Honestly...their story isn't very believable...but it's our elderly and those who might not be the wiser...that we have to worry about. Just remember this...authorities aren't going to haul you off to jail because you owe money on a debt. If someone calls you demanding payment for an outstanding debt, ask to see proof. Demand documentation qualifying the debt they seek to collect on.

I pulled more Tip-Offs to Rip-Offs from the Federal Trade Commission's website...
If you hear these — or similar — "lines" from a telephone salesperson, just say "no thank you," and hang up the phone.
* "You've been specially selected to hear this offer."
* "You'll get a wonderful free bonus if you buy our product."
* "You've won one of five valuable prizes."
* "You've won big money in a foreign lottery."
* "You must send money right away."
* "This investment is low risk and provides a higher return than you can get anywhere
else."
* "You have to make up your mind right away."
* "You don't need to check our company with anyone"- including your family, lawyer,
accountant, local Better Business Bureau, or consumer protection agency.
* "We'll just put the shipping and handling charges on your credit card."
* "You don't need any written information about our company or references."

I'm Scott Hines...In Your Corner!