Office of the Attorney General
Attorney General Conway Warns Kentuckians About "Jamaican" Telemarketing Prize Scam

Attorney General Jack Conway today cautioned Kentuckians to be wary of any telephone calls telling them they have won a prize or been selected to receive millions of dollars so long as they pay a small processing fee.

“From the reports we’re receiving right now, the caller informs the person who answers the phone that he or she will be receiving $2.5 million. The only condition to receiving this money is that the winner has to send a check or wire money to the organization in Kingston, Jamaica prior to getting the prize,” General Conway said. “This is a hoax. Do not be fooled. You will not receive the promised money.”

The caller may also try to suggest that the citizen has been selected to receive a large amount of money from a government agency as part of the stimulus package. Although the supposed reason for the call may vary, they all promise a valuable prize if the person pays a relatively small processing fee so that the prize can be delivered. 

The Office of Attorney General recommends that Kentuckians follow these tips to protect themselves against telephone scams like this:

• Never send any money to claim a “prize.” If you are asked to send MONEY to claim a prize IT IS A SCAM and you should hang up.
• Beware of any caller who claims to be an IRS official, a bank official or a U.S. Customs agent announcing they are “holding your prize check” until a fee is sent to release the funds.
• Do not send money by wire service or check to a telemarketer telling you they are holding money for you.
• Never give your credit-card, social security or bank account number to someone you don’t know.
• Never call a 900 number to claim a prize. 900 numbers can charge high fees so even if you don’t send money for the prize, you will receive a large bill just for the call.

If you receive a suspicious telemarketing call, please contact the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-432-9257.