Free Money Offer Scam from 876 Area Code

TYLER – The Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas cautions consumers to be aware of a scam connected with the 876 area code. Posing as an employee from one of various legitimate agencies or companies, the caller offers free money from government grants, awards, lotteries, scholarships, sweepstakes, stimulus programs, undelivered cashiers’ checks and occasionally work-at-home opportunities. These amounts range from $98,000 to upwards of $5,000,000.

The scammer uses various tactics to convince victims the money belongs to them. Some are told they have received a grant as a reward for paying their bills on time. Others are told they have won an award, a contest by making a purchase at a U.S. nationwide chain discount store, a lottery or sweepstakes put on by a U.S. nationwide chain discount store, a state lottery or sweepstakes, a grant, or a scholarship — or that a bank is holding an undeliverable certified check for them.

These operators use high pressure tactics and multiple calls per day which consumers describe as harassing. The victims are told they must rush to send $1,400 (or more) by a Western Union wire, Money Gram or Money Pack to Jamaica. Each time, more money has to be sent for another legitimate sounding reason. BBB officials say, “These offers are simply a ploy to separate you from your money. None of them is legitimate. Keep in mind, once the funds exit the U.S., there is no way to get your money back.”

Various reasons are used to explain why money must quickly be wired:
• To have the money clear customs
• To pay tax and luxury tax
• For shipping and handling fees
• To release a “hold” placed on the money
• To pay US Customs fees
• For the registration fee
• For the claim fee
• For a package fee
• For insurance and delivery

BBB provides the following advice to minimize your risk of becoming a victim of this scam:
• Never wire money to anyone with whom you are not familiar.
• Resist high pressure sales tactics. A legitimate organization will respect the fact that you’re not interested.
• Take your time. Ask for the information in writing.
• Do not send money, cash, or money order – by courier or overnight directory or wire money to anyone who insists on immediate payment.
• Never to provide anyone with personal information (account numbers/pin numbers/social security numbers) unless you’ve initiated the call.
• Check any unfamiliar area codes before returning calls.

If you are a victim, you’re urged to gather all of the caller ID numbers, keep anything you have received through the U.S. Mail, and notify your local police, BBB, and ic3.gov if any correspondence was done via the Internet. To report a fraud or scam, call the BBB Hotline: (903) 581-8373.