Sweepstakes Scams
Sweepstakes Scam - November 4, 2009
Once again, 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 latest 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.
What we're doing about it
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 this scam
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
Sweepstakes Scam - September 2, 2009
Once again, perpetrators of a sweepstakes scam are illegally using the Principal Financial Group name and logo on fraudulent prize notification letters. The perpetrators have recently been distributing letters and checks from Canada notifying various individuals throughout the United States that they are the winners of an "American Family Publishing Sweepstakes Drawing organized for all energy and telephone subscribers." The Principal Financial Group does not participate in this type of drawing or sweepstakes.
The prize notification letter implies that the individual has won thousands of dollars and instructs them to call a designated claims agent as soon as possible to obtain instructions. To claim the winning prize, the agent further instructs the individual to deposit a check that was enclosed with their letter and use that money to submit "applicable government service tax fees for non-Canadian residents."
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. The check that accompanies the letter is fraudulent. Once an individual pays the administration and insurance 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 and a Canadian agency. When individuals contact our company, we confirm that it's a scam not affiliated with our company, recommend that they avoid cashing or depositing the check, and encourage them to report the situation to the Consumer Services Division of their local Attorney General's office.
