Yesterday evening around 5pm I was getting ready to leave to go to the County Fair, when I received a call from a gentleman saying congratulations that I won $1000 shopping spree and to give him a call as soon as possible to a Company called Reading America. Sadly I'm not that dumb to believe that I've won a free $1000 shopping spree.

So I did a bit of research on Reading America before calling back and found out that its a scam that targets you Bank account and your information to take your money. Here's a victim of this Reading America Scam.

Site: http://complaintwire.org/complaint.aspx/JRHTVm0ZaACRCAjLPzLm2g

First Victim: "Recently received a phone call from 1-888-279-9221 and also 1-877-855-4547 that told me I had won a $1000 online shopping spree. All I had to do was answer a few questions; little did I know the questions were about my bank account information. Beware, everyone, if you get a phone call from this number(s). It is a scam. After doing some research on the company, I discovered that they use your bank account information to rob you. The report I read was written by a woman who had the same experience with this company. She was told that she would receive magazines in the mail. She received no magazines but money was still withdrawn from her account."

Second Victim was only a Junior in High school: "Hi my name is Michael, I was scrolling on the internet and saw an ad for a $1000 online shopping spree, so I decided to do it and then they tell me I had to pay for some magazines I didn't want. So I decided to do it and they told me I would be charged $34 something a month for the magazines and that was all fine and good but the following week they hit my bank account and OVERDREW my account. So I closed the account and now they are sending letters to my house. But the weird thing is, I haven't gotten any magazines. Interesting. Someone tell me how to get out of this mess, I'm a junior in high school, working, oldest of 4 and I'm looking for a way out.
Thank You"

These were two victims out of thousands who were targeted and scammed for their information and their money. This is also a reminder to never give out your information over the phone or the internet. Most things that offer you free shopping sprees or gifts aren't free at all. If for any reason these companies keep harassing you by phone or email, get a parent immediately you may have to take legal action against them to leave you alone. Don't be a victim of a scam, if you are unsure about an offer or anything in particular don't be afraid to ask a parent or to do some research, it won't make you look dumb or stupid it'll keep you and your money safe from scams like Reading America.

Thanks for Reading

-Jab-