Your BBB has received reports from BBB offices across the country that a person or persons are telephoning businesses using different approaches - 1) to update file information or 2) to discuss a complaint - and stating they are with the Better Business Bureau and leave a call back number - 1.800.CALLBBB or 1.888.CALLBBB (1.800.225.5222 or 1.888.225.5222)

Several names have been used: Dave Sebastian, Frank, and the latest is Ricky Ricardo (remember the 'I Love Lucy' show on television?)

When we did a cross-check on the phone number given, it came up as a company named ABB LABELS, INC. out of Los Angeles, California. Apparently they are telemarketing labels and tags which they make as well as sell, but that is all we know at this point.

Needless to say, your BBB advises CAUTION - we do not tolerate such misuse of our good name in this fashion. We suggest that you warn the people that answer your phones. If you receive such a call and are given a call back number, DO NOT call it, instead, call the number for the BBB found in your local phone book and report the incident to us.  This way you know that you are talking to the REAL BBB in your area!

If you receive a check for $4500 on a bank you may know along with what looks to be legitimate bank account numbers printed at the bottom and is attached to a letter from International Payout Services, watch out! The checks are counterfeit!   

The letter states that you must call a phone number, 778.882.0144, to “activate your account before you deposit the check to your bank; this is very important.”  It offers a payout ranging from $400,000+ to $675,000.And, of course, they want you to keep this “absolutely confidential”.

The letter is postmarked in Canada and BBBs have been able to determine that this company, International Payout Services, is one of the 105 names of used by WINNING ADVANTAGE AUSTRALIA out of British Columbia, Canada.

BBB South Plains ADVISES EXTREME CAUTION.

If you wish to read some of the details of the 6-year investigation and indictment of the perpetrators of this fraud, go to BBB Vancouver’s report at http://www.spock.usshurdman.com/~van/commonreport.html?bid=108554

Here are some handy tips to remember when you receive a letter or phone call claiming you have "won" a prize:

1)  Are you being directed to pay a fee upfront or purchase a product in order to win the sweepstakes prize?  Legitimate sweepstakes do not require you to pay taxes, shipping and handling, or any other fee regardless of the size of the prize.

2)  If you play foreign lotteries through the mail or over the phone, you are violating federal law.

3)  Consumers should ask themselves if they remember entering this company's sweepstakes.  Chances are the answer is NO!

4)  Never give personal information, such as your mother's maiden name, social security number, bank account number or credit card number to anyone with which you are unfamiliar.

5)  Read the fine print on the sweepstakes offer or entry form.  Usually it says you win IF your number is one of the winning numbers.

6)  Be wary of any check enclosed with the promotion.  The mailing of fake checks that don't clearly state they are non-negotiable and have no cash value is against the law.

7)  Don't be deceived by seals, names or terms implying affiliation with or endorsement by the federal government or a well-known agency.

8)  There are no secret ways to win foreign lotteries.  Your chances of winning are slim to none.

9)  If consumers purchase one foreign lottery ticket, they can expect to receive more bogus offers in the mail.