Charity Scams, Sweepstakes and Contests

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Charity scams and fraudulent sweepstakes take advantage of a consumer's desire to win. These scams are often perpetrated through the mail or online, and act as vehicles for identity theft from victims. Charity scams and sweepstakes are especially effective during difficult economic times, when consumers might be more susceptible to ploys disguised as ‘something for nothing.’


Common fraud & scams:

Charity Scams  
Sweepstakes and Contests  
Free Trial Offers  

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Statistics:

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), ‘Prize/Sweepstakes and Lotteries’ was ranked the highest category of fraud complaints in Ohio in 2006, with 1,746 complaints filed with the FTC. (2007 Consumer Fraud & Identity Theft Complaint Data, Federal Trade Commission, http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2007/02/topcomplaints/PDF%20State%20Releases/tc2007Ohio.pdf)