Scammers sometimes impersonate government officials to get you to send them money. A consumer recently reported to our agency that someone claiming to be from the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs called and told her she had won a large sum of money. But in order to collect her prize, she had to first pay $4,500 for insurance. The caller then asked for her credit card number or checking account number. Fortunately, the consumer recognized that this was a scam and did not divulge her financial information to the scammer.

Consumers should be aware that no government agency or legitimate sweepstakes company will contact you to ask for money. And no matter what the circumstances, if you have to pay money up-front, it’s not a prize.

If you have been the victim of this type of scam, please contact the Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection at 404-651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123 (toll-free in Georgia, outside of the metro Atlanta calling area) or by going to www.consumer.ga.gov.