A Gaylesville man frustrated one would-be scam artist this week by not falling for his line. The man informed WEIS Radio News that an individual claiming to be an attorney for something called “American Dream Sweepstakes” contacted him several times on Wednesday (March 12th) – each time telling him that he’d won $25 million and a brand new Mercedes-Benz.

The man repeatedly assured his intended target that his organization was accredited by the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission adding that his calls were closely monitored by the federal government; furthermore, the “winner” would receive his merchandise at home the very same day – all he had to do was go to the nearest CVS Pharmacy and purchase two pre-paid “Green Dot” cards, one in the amount of $500, and one in the amount of $1,000 and give him the numbers.

He explained that, since the car was being shipped from overseas a $1,500 “tariff” would have to be paid in order to receive the vehicle.

At that point, not having been born yesterday, the Gaylesville resident contacted the Cedar Bluff Police Department to report the incident.  Officers advised the man not to give the individual any information or respond to any more of his calls or text messages.

By the way, “American Dream Sweepstakes” is NOT accredited by the Better Business Bureau – as a matter-of-fact, they’re listed as having a rating of “F”.

To re-cap – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is / if you have to pay something in order to collect your prize, you didn’t win anything / if you didn’t enter a “sweepstakes”, you certainly didn’t win one / and, most importantly – don’t believe everything you’re told – exercise common sense and stop a scam artist in his or her tracks.

After all, all you have to do – is hang up.