The Better Business Bureau in Denver is warning area residents that a con artist in Jamaica targeted at least one Denverite using the BBB name as part of his scam.
The individual called the Denver resident twice this week saying he was “James Manley of the BBB” and that she had won a BBB raffle prize of $150,000.
The man said he would deposit the prize money directly into her bank account if she would provide her bank account number.
The woman didn’t provide the account number and instead reported it.
The number the scammer was calling from was traced to Jamaica.
The BBB said similar scams, involving the BBB name have occurred in Colorado and other states.
Earlier this year, another Colorado man was called on numerous occasions by an individual claiming to be “Frank Carter of the BBB.” “Mr. Carter” said that the BBB was giving away prize money and asked the “winner” to wire $250 by Western Union to cover the taxes.
Dale Mingilton, president of the BBB serving Denver and Boulder, said that BBB does not hold sweepstakes or raffles.
Mingilton said anyone receiving such calls should hang up and contact the BBB, the U.S. Postal Inspector Service and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The BBB can be reached at 303-758-2100; the U.S. Postal Inspector, 877-876-2455 and the CBI, 303-239-4300.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
