October 18, 2006
Morgan Keegan was today made aware of a consumer scam involving a bogus sweepstakes/lottery award letter sent by Zilos Management Consultants. The letter references Publisher’s Clearing House and includes an award check that appears to be issued by Morgan Keegan in the amount of $4,680.23. THESE CHECKS ARE FRAUDULENT. Morgan Keegan has no affiliation with Zilos Management or any other sweepstakes/lottery organization.
Do not put your personal identity at risk by responding to the letter or attempting to cash this check. Here’s how the scam can harm you. The award letter indicates that the recipient has won $96,000 and that the enclosed check is to be used to pay the required processing fee necessary to receive their winnings. The letter instructs you to call in to “activate your account” in order to receive the final cash settlement. During this call, you will be asked to provide personal information such as name, address, social security number or bank information – all of which can later be used for identity fraud or to access your assets.
If you receive a sweepstakes letter, do not respond with any personal information or attempt to cash the fraudulent check. If you receive a check, please contact Morgan Keegan immediately by calling 1-800-366-7426 extension 3474 or 901-531-3474; or fax information to 901-579-4473 so we may provide as much information as possible to the authorities. Thank you for your cooperation.
