Full Notification

An alert Harper Woods resident contacted the Police Department after receiving notification by mail that he had won $125,000 as part of a marketing survey sweepstake. Enclosed in the letter was a fraudulent check for nearly $4,000. The phone number listed was contacted and a representative answered the line attempting to complete the scam. The name of the company used for this scam was "HBB & Trust Company Incorporated" out of Manchester, UK.

These scams are common by mail, telephone and internet, usually originate outside of the United States. The conartists are only attempting to gain access to your bank account or to elicit cash from you to "pay the required taxes" before the total prize can be awarded. Legitimate sweepstakes require affidavits before sending out any prize valued at more then $600 and they never require a pre-payment on your part. Another indicator of a scam is winning a sweepstake that you never entered.

If you receive this scam by phone or mail, do not follow up or provide any personal information. Disconnect the call by phone and shred any mail. If received on the internet, just clicking on the website can allow spyware and computer viruses to infiltrate your system. Delete the contact as spam. If you have already become a victim, contact you local Police Department for assistance.