Hevesi Warning Residents Of Scam Artists

has released a warning to residents in Forest Hills about potential phone and e-mail scams that could be taking place in the area.

Hevesi said his office has had an increase recently in reports of residents getting phone calls, letters and e-mails from scammers pretending to be employees of the Publisher’s Clearinghouse sweepstakes.

One such scammer, Hevesi said, told one resident in a letter that they had won money in the sweepstakes, and gave them an address to send a check in the amount of the taxes due on the winnings.

The resident sent the check, anticipating getting instructions on how to pick up their winnings.

“I would like to remind everyone that scams of this nature still happen every day,” Hevesi said. “I encourage you to be aware of this issue, and to immediately report any suspicious solicitations to the Consumer Protection Board or the Attorney General’s office. You cannot be too careful when it comes to protecting your financial identity.”

Consumers who think they have been taken advantage of, or have been contacted by someone they suspect may be a con artist, are urged to call the Consumer Protection Board’s hotline at either 518-474-8583 or 1-800-697-1220, or the Attorney General’s office at 1-800-771-7755.