BBB | Greater Maryland is warning consumers to be cautious of phony calls claiming to be from BBB.
A Bakersfield consumer complained to BBB that he received a voice message stating that he had won $250,000. The unknown caller had a Jamaican accent and requested the consumer’s banking information to cover “shipping and handling” costs. While at work, the consumer received another call with his caller ID reading “BBB” and a number with an 876 area code (Jamaica). This time, the same caller allegedly demanded to know if the consumer was home. Afraid of a possible burglary, the consumer contacted the police.
BBB does not conduct sweepstakes or lotteries. Legitimate sweepstakes will never require you to purchase, “insurance,” “taxes,” or “shipping and handling” to collect your winnings.
To date, BBB has not received any reports that consumers in Maryland have been targeted by the Jamaican scammer. Please contact (410) 347-3990 to verify any calls claiming to be from BBB, or to report questionable calls.