Galvin issues scam warning

Massachusetts Secretary of State William F. Galvin is warning consumers about a scam that offers the promise of winning a $250,000 sweepstakes but seems to be a scheme to obtain personal financial information.

Galvin indicated that he was prompted to issue the warning following reports to the Securities Division of his office by people who said they have received letters with a $4,620 check in them with instructions to call a “service tax” agent and provide financial information.

The check, which is supposed to be used to pay a “non-resident government service tax,” appears to be "fake," Galvin's office said.

The current version of the scam claims to come from Newfoundland, and it announces a “compensation draw” for the “Sweepstakes Association of North America,” Galvin's office said.

"Unsolicited notices like this should always raise an immediate red flag.” Galvin said in a statement.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)