Consumer office issues new warning about scams

The Governor's Office of Consumer Protection has issued a warning about sweepstakes scams aimed at the elderly, saying they have taken a scary turn.

Typical scams tell consumers by mail, phone or e-mail they have won a sweepstakes award, but they must first send in money to cover expenses or taxes -- and the prize never materializes. Now, scam artists are telling consumers they will come to their homes to escort them to the bank and are threatening them with harm, said Administrator John Sours, who urged consumers to call police if this occurs.

"The new slant we are seeing now is the use of intimidation tactics," Sours said. “Scammers are telling consumers they will come to their house to escort them to the bank. Several consumers who have confronted the caller about it being a scam have been threatened that harm would come to them or their families.”