Sweepstakes Scams
Sweepstakes Scam 1 - December 2, 2009
Perpetrators of a sweepstakes scam are illegally using Principal Life Insurance Company name and address on fraudulent prize notification letters. Principal Life Insurance Company does not participate in this type of sweepstakes or prize notification.
A few details about this scam
- The perpetrators have been distributing letters and checks to individuals throughout the United States that say they're winners of a "Super Seven Contest sponsored by Global Investment Holdings and Finance, Inc. and its partner, Principal Life Insurance Company"
- The prize notification letter implies that the individual has won thousands of dollars
- Asks the "winners" to call their claim agent to obtain instructions
- To claim the winning prize, the individual is instructed to deposit the check that was enclosed with their letter and use that money to submit "government taxes and processing fees"
The check that accompanies the letter is fraudulent. We have encountered this type of scam in the past and believe that the perpetrators are using several temporary phone numbers and operating from multiple locations. Once an individual pays the government taxes and processing fees, they will never receive the winning prize money.
Unfortunately, the perpetrators of this scam are using the names of reputable companies to appear legitimate. Our company has reported this matter to the Iowa Attorney General's office. When individuals contact our company, we confirm that it's a scam not affiliated with our company.
Sweepstakes Scam 2 - November 4, 2009
Perpetrators of a sweepstakes scam are illegally using the Principal Financial Group name and address on fraudulent prize notification letters. The Principal Financial Group does not participate in this type of sweepstakes or prize notification.
A few details about this scam
- The perpetrators have been distributing letters and checks to individuals throughout the United States that say they're winners of an "America Online LLC International Sweepstake"
- The prize notification letter implies that the individual has won thousands of dollars
- Asks the "winners" to call their international claim office to obtain instructions
- To claim the winning prize, the individual is instructed to deposit the check that was enclosed with their letter and use that money to submit "a clearance and processing fee required by federal and international law"
The check that accompanies the letter is fraudulent. We have encountered this type of scam in the past and believe that the perpetrators are using several temporary phone numbers and operating from multiple locations. Once an individual pays the clearance and processing fees, they will never receive the winning prize money.
Unfortunately, the perpetrators of this scam are using the names of reputable companies (such as the Principal Financial Group) to appear legitimate. Our company has reported this matter to the Iowa Attorney General's office. When individuals contact our company, we confirm that it's a scam not affiliated with our company.
If you think you've been contacted by the perpetrators of either of these scams
We recommend that you:
- Avoid cashing or depositing the check
- Report the situation to the Consumer Services Division of your local Attorney General's office
