October 3, 1997
(Government Services and Lands)

Beware of sweepstake offers

The Trade Practices Division of the Department of Government Services and Lands says consumers should be wary of prize offers they receive in the mail.

Several inquiries have recently been made to the division regarding the legitimacy of scratch and win tickets which indicate a prize is forthcoming. In order to claim a prize on these scratch and win offers, consumers must call a 1-900 telephone number for details.

Carol Furlong, a consumer affairs official with the division says: "Many consumers are unaware of the costs involved in placing such calls. Requiring you to call a 1-900 number is how these operators make money. Calls to 1-900 numbers are billed to the person making the call. These calls usually last seven minutes or more and cost around $35. The cost of these telephone calls usually exceeds the value of the prize."

The division points out, however, that there are legitimate businesses which often charge a nominal fee of $1 or so to obtain information on a service or product.

Ms. Furlong said: "Consumers should be very cautious about offers of prizes which cost money, even if the cost is hidden in a telephone call. Before placing any calls, find out the details by calling a consumer affairs officer with our division."

Contact: Rick Callahan, Director of Communication (709) 729-4860 or Carol Furlong, Consumer Affairs Officer, (709) 729-2600.