Agencies Put Out Scam Alert

“You’ve won big money in a foreign lottery.” “You have to make up your mind right away.” “You’ve been specially selected to hear this offer.”

And you may be the subject of a scam.

That’s what the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Post Office and the U.S. Department of Justice want you to know, especially during the busy year-end holiday season.

The agencies joined in Spokane this week to promote their anti-fraud campaign “kNOw Fraud.” Consumers lose billions of dollars each year to telemarketing fraud alone, the representatives said.

People shouldn’t be pressured to make a decision and should never give their credit card, Social Security Number or checking account information over the phone to an unknown caller, the group said.

In general, they advised, be wary.

For more information or to file an complaint electronically, contact www.consumer.gov/knowfraud. Those who suspect they’ve been the victim of a scam are urged to call “kNOw Fraud” at 1-877-987-3728.