It was brought to this BBB’s attention that there is someone named “Omar” contacting people nationwide (our report came from Georgia) using the number 509-262-6679 (a VOiP that makes it seem it is coming from Deer Park, WA) stating that he is with the Spokane BBB and “You’ve won!” (We received an additional report that he states he is from the Tacoma BBB, as well.)
BBB strongly suggests that you not believe this caller or any call such as this. BBB does NOT run sweepstakes, lotteries, games of chance or prize promotions.
To give you an example of how aggressive such a caller can be, BBB wishes to share this true scenario:
One BBB actually spoke with Omar, who called the BBB Staffer a liar and went on to state that he was going to have a Federal Agent arrest the caller who called him a scam and turned him into the BBB. He went on to state that it was wrong for the BBB staffer “to keep someone from getting their winnings.” Omar also stated that he has been with the BBB for a “long time in the Fraud and International Winnings Division,” and that the BBB staffer could call “corporate” to be transferred to him. The BBB Staffer asked Omar for corporate information and he told them he would not tell them that info and he ended the call.
You get the point: some scammers will stop at nothing to attempt to intimidate and harass, throw you off or make you believe things that are not true. BBB suggests that you take threats like this with a grain of salt, promptly end your conversation, and if the harassment continues, file a formal complaint with your local police department, especially if the verbiage is life-threatening. By no means should you divulge or confirm ANY personal information to calls such as these. These type of calls attempt to break you down so you give the scammers what they want, usually, that is your financial or other sensitive information. Protect your personal info.