By Staff
LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox warned consumers about telemarketers targeting Michigan residents offering Wal-Mart shopping spree vouchers as a fraudulent way to obtain consumers' information and authorization to withdraw money from their bank accounts
A detailed consumer alert in this matter is available on the Attorney General's Web site, www.michigan.gov./ag, or by calling toll-free at 1-877-765-8388. Complaints received by Cox's office evidence several calls to Michigan residents whereby telemarketers offer consumers vouchers worth up to $500.
In return, the consumer agrees to pay a $4.95 shipping and handling fee.
Consumers who surrender their account information later discover unauthorized withdrawals associated with "Mega Movie Club, Net4Ever and Health Network Unlimited."
A statement on Wal-Mart's Web site indicates these calls are a "scam."
Initial complaints indicate the withdrawals are coming in the form of demand drafts, sometimes called a "telecheck" or a "phone check." These checks do not have to be signed by an account holder and instead indicate "signature not required" or a similar message in the authorized signature area.
Generally banks cash them just like valid, signed checks.
Complaints from other states suggest callers may also be asking for credit card information.
Consumers who fall victim to this scam should immediately call their bank, explain the circumstances and ask them to take all necessary steps to block unauthorized withdrawals.
Consumers should then follow up the call with a visit to the bank and written identification, keeping a copy of the written notification.
Michigan consumers who have received these calls or provided account information are encouraged to file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.