GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!! N/m - OFF TOPIC thread
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lidarkside
Active member
Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
What's GMA? :scratch:
What's GMA? :scratch:
Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
Just went to their site & found this:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/sweepsalrt.shtm
NEW SPIN ON SWEEPSTAKES SCAMS
Some con artists use the lure of a sweepstakes to convince consumers to send in money to claim a prize theyve supposedly won. They tell consumers that the only thing that separates them from their winnings is a fee to cover the taxes or service charges. But as all too many consumers know, the winnings as described never materialize.
In a new spin on the age-old sweepstakes scam, crooks are getting bolder, using names of government agencies and legitimate phone numbers that mask where theyre calling from. Claiming to represent the national consumer protection agency, the non-existent National Sweepstakes Bureau, and even the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), they say that the delivery of the sweepstakes prize is being supervised by the supposed government agency. And theyre using Internet technology to make it appear that theyre calling from Washington, DC, the nations capital, or the consumers own area code.
These scammers then convince consumers to wire money to a foreign country they usually suggest using a commercial money transfer company like Western Union to wire the money to an agent of Lloyds of London or some other well-known insurance company to insure delivery of the prize. In fact, no insurance company is involved; con artists take the money and disappear.
According to the real Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. governments chief consumer protection agency, consumers can keep from falling for the lure of the sweepstakes scam by taking a few precautions. For example, the FTC says:
* Dont pay to collect sweepstakes winnings. If you have to pay to collect your winnings, you havent won anything. Legitimate sweepstakes dont require you to pay insurance, taxes or shipping and handling charges to collect your prize.
* Hold on to your money. Scammers pressure people to wire money through commercial money transfer companies like Western Union because wiring money is the same as sending cash. If you discover youve been scammed, the moneys gone, and theres very little chance of recovery. Likewise, resist any push to send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier. Con artists recommend these services so they can get to your money before you realize youve been cheated.
* Look-alikes arent the real thing. Its illegal for any promoter to lie about an affiliation with or an endorsement by a government agency or any other well-known organization. Disreputable companies sometimes use a variation of an official or nationally recognized name to try to confuse you and give you confidence in their offers. Insurance companies, including Lloyds, do not insure delivery of sweepstakes winnings.
* Phone numbers can deceive. Some con artists use Internet technology to call you. It allows them to disguise their area code: although it may look like theyre calling from Washington, DC or your local area, they could be calling from anywhere in the world.
* Take control of the calls you receive. If you want to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive, place your telephone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. To register online, visit www.donotcall.gov. To register by phone, call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from the phone number you wish to register.
* File a complaint with the FTC. If your number has been on the National Do Not Call registry for at least 31 days, and a telemarketer calls, file a complaint with the FTC. To file a complaint online, visit www.donotcall.gov. To file a complaint by phone, call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236). If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a representative of the government trying to arrange for you to collect supposed sweepstakes winnings, file a complaint at ftc.gov. Its most helpful to enforcement officials if your complaints include the date and time of the call and the name or phone number of the organization that called you. Although scammers may call using a telephone number that disguises their location, law enforcers may be able to track that number to identify the caller.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Just went to their site & found this:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/sweepsalrt.shtm
NEW SPIN ON SWEEPSTAKES SCAMS
Some con artists use the lure of a sweepstakes to convince consumers to send in money to claim a prize theyve supposedly won. They tell consumers that the only thing that separates them from their winnings is a fee to cover the taxes or service charges. But as all too many consumers know, the winnings as described never materialize.
In a new spin on the age-old sweepstakes scam, crooks are getting bolder, using names of government agencies and legitimate phone numbers that mask where theyre calling from. Claiming to represent the national consumer protection agency, the non-existent National Sweepstakes Bureau, and even the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), they say that the delivery of the sweepstakes prize is being supervised by the supposed government agency. And theyre using Internet technology to make it appear that theyre calling from Washington, DC, the nations capital, or the consumers own area code.
These scammers then convince consumers to wire money to a foreign country they usually suggest using a commercial money transfer company like Western Union to wire the money to an agent of Lloyds of London or some other well-known insurance company to insure delivery of the prize. In fact, no insurance company is involved; con artists take the money and disappear.
According to the real Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. governments chief consumer protection agency, consumers can keep from falling for the lure of the sweepstakes scam by taking a few precautions. For example, the FTC says:
* Dont pay to collect sweepstakes winnings. If you have to pay to collect your winnings, you havent won anything. Legitimate sweepstakes dont require you to pay insurance, taxes or shipping and handling charges to collect your prize.
* Hold on to your money. Scammers pressure people to wire money through commercial money transfer companies like Western Union because wiring money is the same as sending cash. If you discover youve been scammed, the moneys gone, and theres very little chance of recovery. Likewise, resist any push to send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier. Con artists recommend these services so they can get to your money before you realize youve been cheated.
* Look-alikes arent the real thing. Its illegal for any promoter to lie about an affiliation with or an endorsement by a government agency or any other well-known organization. Disreputable companies sometimes use a variation of an official or nationally recognized name to try to confuse you and give you confidence in their offers. Insurance companies, including Lloyds, do not insure delivery of sweepstakes winnings.
* Phone numbers can deceive. Some con artists use Internet technology to call you. It allows them to disguise their area code: although it may look like theyre calling from Washington, DC or your local area, they could be calling from anywhere in the world.
* Take control of the calls you receive. If you want to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive, place your telephone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. To register online, visit www.donotcall.gov. To register by phone, call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from the phone number you wish to register.
* File a complaint with the FTC. If your number has been on the National Do Not Call registry for at least 31 days, and a telemarketer calls, file a complaint with the FTC. To file a complaint online, visit www.donotcall.gov. To file a complaint by phone, call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236). If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a representative of the government trying to arrange for you to collect supposed sweepstakes winnings, file a complaint at ftc.gov. Its most helpful to enforcement officials if your complaints include the date and time of the call and the name or phone number of the organization that called you. Although scammers may call using a telephone number that disguises their location, law enforcers may be able to track that number to identify the caller.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
LMAO - found a sweeps too:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Breakfast/story?id=4403590
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Breakfast/story?id=4402320&page=1
Does your mom deserve breakfast in bed served by Chef Emeril Lagasse?
Tell us why your mom is your hero. Has she overcome obstacles in her life? What does she do to help others? What makes your mom special?
Submit a photo and an essay, not to exceed 250 words in length, explaining why a mom you are nominating deserves to receive "Emeril's Breakfast in Bed," which consists of a visit and breakfast prepared by Chef Lagasse in the winner's hometown.
Click here to read the full Breakfast in Bed Contest Rules.
Click here for Emeril's Best Brunch Recipes.
All Internet entries must be received by Friday, April 4, 2008, at 5 p.m. ET. All mailed entries must be postmarked by April 4 and received by April 11.
To submit your Internet entry fill out the information below.
To mail your entry, write to:
Emeril's Mother's Day Breakfast in Bed
Ansonia Station
P.O. Box 234081
New York, NY 10023-9412
LMAO - found a sweeps too:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Breakfast/story?id=4403590
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Breakfast/story?id=4402320&page=1
Does your mom deserve breakfast in bed served by Chef Emeril Lagasse?
Tell us why your mom is your hero. Has she overcome obstacles in her life? What does she do to help others? What makes your mom special?
Submit a photo and an essay, not to exceed 250 words in length, explaining why a mom you are nominating deserves to receive "Emeril's Breakfast in Bed," which consists of a visit and breakfast prepared by Chef Lagasse in the winner's hometown.
Click here to read the full Breakfast in Bed Contest Rules.
Click here for Emeril's Best Brunch Recipes.
All Internet entries must be received by Friday, April 4, 2008, at 5 p.m. ET. All mailed entries must be postmarked by April 4 and received by April 11.
To submit your Internet entry fill out the information below.
To mail your entry, write to:
Emeril's Mother's Day Breakfast in Bed
Ansonia Station
P.O. Box 234081
New York, NY 10023-9412
lidarkside
Active member
Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
Oh, "Good Morning America"!
opcorn: With wins like that, I'd have to see concrete proof not just their word on it. That really seems over the top! :scratch:
Oh, "Good Morning America"!
opcorn: With wins like that, I'd have to see concrete proof not just their word on it. That really seems over the top! :scratch:Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
Also, they both snailed - I think he ONLY snailed? :scratch:
And they said there are about 20,000 of us sweepers - I thought the number was a lot higher than that - that sweeping was the 2nd or 3d most fave thing to do online? :scratch:
Also, they both snailed - I think he ONLY snailed? :scratch:
And they said there are about 20,000 of us sweepers - I thought the number was a lot higher than that - that sweeping was the 2nd or 3d most fave thing to do online? :scratch:
lidarkside
Active member
Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
I figure that there's alot of people that will say or do anything to get the attention. We had a lady out here last week that changed the batteries in one of those Elmo's that repeats what you say; and, after she turned it back on, it said "Kill [her son's name]". She got on the news, radio, and newspapers!! Uh, maybe she said it to the doll herself!! :scratch: Are we supposed to believe this is "Chucky"!! :laughing:
People are crazy, and they'll put just about anything on tv just by their word alone!opcorn:
I figure that there's alot of people that will say or do anything to get the attention. We had a lady out here last week that changed the batteries in one of those Elmo's that repeats what you say; and, after she turned it back on, it said "Kill [her son's name]". She got on the news, radio, and newspapers!! Uh, maybe she said it to the doll herself!! :scratch: Are we supposed to believe this is "Chucky"!! :laughing:
People are crazy, and they'll put just about anything on tv just by their word alone!
opcorn:Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
Good point - I was just reading about how there is a whole industry invested in keeping us afraid of global warning - doesn't anyone use critical thinking skills anymore??? :nono:
I posted what they said because they affirmed my belief (GMA) that they are NOT "news", only fluff. I usually have the news on with the sound down, and turn it up/rewind if I see anything of any interest. I DETEST it when they try to talk off script!!! :cussing:
Good point - I was just reading about how there is a whole industry invested in keeping us afraid of global warning - doesn't anyone use critical thinking skills anymore??? :nono:
I posted what they said because they affirmed my belief (GMA) that they are NOT "news", only fluff. I usually have the news on with the sound down, and turn it up/rewind if I see anything of any interest. I DETEST it when they try to talk off script!!! :cussing:
lidarkside
Active member
Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
I have long since stopped watching the news. It's like anywhere else. They just tell us what they want us to believe. Certain things are pounded over and over into our heads. You know, like if you keep repeating something over and over, people will eventually believe it. Right now, I am sick and tired of seeing and hearing "green" and "whole grain". It's like, go away and leave me alone and make my cereal taste again like it once did--good!! :crazytongue:
I have long since stopped watching the news. It's like anywhere else. They just tell us what they want us to believe. Certain things are pounded over and over into our heads. You know, like if you keep repeating something over and over, people will eventually believe it. Right now, I am sick and tired of seeing and hearing "green" and "whole grain". It's like, go away and leave me alone and make my cereal taste again like it once did--good!! :crazytongue:
Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
I hear ya!!! I have been catching up on Boston Legal (I adore James Spader) anyway, I just watched one where a client tried to sue the firm for not being "green" enough. We can't keep our drugs/food supply safe, nobody can agree from 1 decade to the next what is good for you/bad for you (remember how evil eggs where, and alcohol???) and now they want to brainwash us into believing if we don't do what "they" say is good, we must be bad??? :scratch: :nono:
I read the paper every day. I only watch the news in cycles - I usually last 2 or 3 days. :crazytongue:
I hear ya!!! I have been catching up on Boston Legal (I adore James Spader) anyway, I just watched one where a client tried to sue the firm for not being "green" enough. We can't keep our drugs/food supply safe, nobody can agree from 1 decade to the next what is good for you/bad for you (remember how evil eggs where, and alcohol???) and now they want to brainwash us into believing if we don't do what "they" say is good, we must be bad??? :scratch: :nono:
I read the paper every day. I only watch the news in cycles - I usually last 2 or 3 days. :crazytongue:
lidarkside
Active member
Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
:laughing:
It's gotten real crazy, and it's unbelievable how people fall for this stuff. Like Frank Zappa's song "I'm The Slime" talking about all the cr_p that runs out of our tv's (the lyrics are well worth the read). I'm just so annoyed that they change my food on me, and I have no choice; and it definitely doesn't taste the same. What are we? Children who someone else has to make decisions for. I try to avoid the newspaper like the plague. Everytime I dare look at it, something in it sets my blood boiling! :cussing:
:laughing:
It's gotten real crazy, and it's unbelievable how people fall for this stuff. Like Frank Zappa's song "I'm The Slime" talking about all the cr_p that runs out of our tv's (the lyrics are well worth the read). I'm just so annoyed that they change my food on me, and I have no choice; and it definitely doesn't taste the same. What are we? Children who someone else has to make decisions for. I try to avoid the newspaper like the plague. Everytime I dare look at it, something in it sets my blood boiling! :cussing:
lidarkside
Active member
Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
I'll be sure to submit myself to a whipping!
I'll be sure to submit myself to a whipping!
Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
I just looked up those lyrics - I listened to Zappa in the 70's some, but not lately.
He nails it. :headbang:
I tape (DVR) my shows, then watch later - funny how there are fewer and fewer I'll watch each year. :nono:
Bob always has Discovery/Travel/Learning/etc on (when he isn't decompressing by watching a B movie, lmao) and I often get caught up in his shows.
I only read certain sections of the paper - the opinion page, editorials, crossword, comics, and the Dear Abby page :laughing:
I often discover topics to explore further from the opinion page & editorials - I can lose myself/half a day exploring!!! :nono: :laughing:
I just looked up those lyrics - I listened to Zappa in the 70's some, but not lately.
He nails it. :headbang:
I tape (DVR) my shows, then watch later - funny how there are fewer and fewer I'll watch each year. :nono:
Bob always has Discovery/Travel/Learning/etc on (when he isn't decompressing by watching a B movie, lmao) and I often get caught up in his shows.
I only read certain sections of the paper - the opinion page, editorials, crossword, comics, and the Dear Abby page :laughing:
I often discover topics to explore further from the opinion page & editorials - I can lose myself/half a day exploring!!! :nono: :laughing:
Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
Oh, it wasn't you - I'm the one who went off topic!!! :laughing:
I'm just enjoying an intelligent conversation!!! :headbang:
I'll be sure to submit myself to a whipping!
Oh, it wasn't you - I'm the one who went off topic!!! :laughing:
I'm just enjoying an intelligent conversation!!! :headbang:
lidarkside
Active member
Re: GMA - Story on sweepers - NOW!!!
Now, I didn't say it was me! I just said I wanted to be subjected to a whipping!! :laughing:
Here and there we deviate a little--Law & Order, King of Queens, Raymond; but we watch "Grounded for Life" every night religiously. There's something about shows and movies that you can totally relate to from back in the day. Like "Dazed and Confused"! :crazytongue:
I'll be sure to submit myself to a whipping!
Oh, it wasn't you - I'm the one who went off topic!!! :laughing:
I'm just enjoying an intelligent conversation!!! :headbang:
Now, I didn't say it was me! I just said I wanted to be subjected to a whipping!!
:laughing:Here and there we deviate a little--Law & Order, King of Queens, Raymond; but we watch "Grounded for Life" every night religiously. There's something about shows and movies that you can totally relate to from back in the day. Like "Dazed and Confused"! :crazytongue:
You never fail to crack me up!!! :laughing:
I LOVE Dazed and Confused!!! I used to watch Grounded for Life - I wonder why I stopped? :scratch:
I never watch in real time (unless Bob puts something on) because I can't STAND the ads!!! :cussing:
Right now, the election is driving me nuts. It makes me want to shut it ALL out!!! Not good. :nono:
I LOVE Dazed and Confused!!! I used to watch Grounded for Life - I wonder why I stopped? :scratch:
I never watch in real time (unless Bob puts something on) because I can't STAND the ads!!! :cussing:
Right now, the election is driving me nuts. It makes me want to shut it ALL out!!! Not good. :nono: