$1,200 in Gas Vouchers!

This looks like another example of the old saying, "If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is.” Houston was the target for a telemarketing scam that promised people over $1,200 in gas coupons that could be redeemed anywhere, but for what in exchange?

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Here are the details:

Houston was the target for a telemarketing scam that promised people over $1,200 in gas coupons that could be redeemed anywhere. Those who spoke with the telemarketers said that they were told they "won" gas vouchers and in three days would receive one for $200 that would be good anywhere. They went on to sell their scam by telling the people that they could get $1,200 in gas vouchers for a fee of $3.95 and all they would have to do is provide the caller (here’s the clincher) with their bank account number.

One person, Teresa, who was contacted by the telemarketers, told KPRC Click2Houston.com, "I said,' You're talking $1,200 in gas free?' And she said, 'Yes.' I told her I didn't believe her," Teresa said, when the caller asked for her personal bank account number. "I asked, 'So it's only going to cost me $3.95?' She said, 'Yes.' And I responded, 'Plus whatever is in my bank account, right?' (The caller) hung up," Teresa said.

Assistant State Attorney General John Owen told KPRC that consumers are getting suspicious when the caller asks for their bank account number. But for those who fall for the scam, they risk having their bank account cleaned out and possibly their identity stolen.

Source: Click2Houston.com