Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw Police Department warns county residents about possible Internet sweepstakes scams.
According to police, e-mails identified as coming from companies called SPRN Sweepstakes, Mounds of Money Sweepstakes and the "Spanish or Canadian Lotteries" offer prizes that appear invalid.
The e-mails ask the receiver to pay money or submit checking or credit account information before a prize can be given.
Police say never to submit personal information for a prize. Several local families have lost thousands of dollars this way in the past year.
Residents also should not participate in any scheme that asks a "winner" to submit money. According to police, common scams include a story of money placed in escrow in an out-of-country account. Supposedly, the cash needs to be "recovered" or it is lost forever, though getting it requires paying high "taxes and other fees."
Police warn to not respond to any e-mailed messages. Any response at all can prompt more aggressive contacts.
