In this day and age it is very difficult to protect ourselves from scams not to mention all the legitimate investments that are designed to take our money.  How many people happily toss lose 10 or 20 dollars a week in the lottery. 

Dan--$10 bucks in the lottery is nothing compared to identity theft...But I do get your point. The lottery can be a considered scam when you consider the amount invested over a period of time. Thanks for your comments! :)

Ouch, that is terrible. Yes, good idea to be extra careful.

Teri, isn't it amazing how resourceful these scammers are? 

I rarely will put my name in drawings as I don't want a bunch of people calling me; this is just another reason not to enter.  I remember the first home show we ever went to signing up for everything and then I received calls for months afterwards.

Wow, Teri, I could see how easily that could happen.  I am SO glad you pointed out this story and hope it's widely read, I may just have given out the information myself....I hope it's ok with you that I pass this around to friends, I really think everyone should be advised.

Teri~ I sure hope I wouldn't be so gullible but I understand these scammers are very slick.  I no longer enter drawings, especially anything in a mall because chances are the fine print says it's a solicitation for something I don't want.

I never give any "home" information.  Only the business.  I someone wants information on the phone, I tell them to send something in writing -- then I can check THEM out!  Thanks for telling us about this scam, I had never heard of it before.

Hi Teri,

Thanks for sharing, that's something I would have never thought about.

Wow, that's scary!   Like the others that posted, I never would have thought about that being used in this way.  Teri, thanks so much for telling us about this.

Missy--I hadn't heard of this before and the more I thought about it, the more I thought it was something to warn others about.

Marchel--I would think most people offering some prize are doing lead generation so those entering should expect that phone call. Like I said, I was considering a similar promotion but never considered that someone would 'steal' the box and scam the people who entered...Live and Learn. Thanks for commenting! :)

Carole--That's why I posted this...I think everyone expects that when you enter to be put on a list but no one would consider the information being stolen and then getting scammed! Please pass on the story!

Lisa--I am very wary of any drawings as well....Now I will be more so! Thanks for commenting. :)

Joan--I think both using a business adddress and asking them to mail you information is the best way to handle these situations. Good advice! You are one smart lady!

Lynda--I hadn't either...I don't think most people would. But I can see how a fast talker could convince someone to give information. Thanks for commenting!

Kris--You are very welcome! I think everyone expects a phone call to sell them something but doubt that few would have thought that someone would take the entries and scam someone. It is scary!!

Teri this is a very heads up post for this time of the year.  Many do not realize that personal information is all around you.  I see people with these little overhead visor clips with their license registration there, for the world to see their home address.  I can not imagine the problems the theft of this information caused.  Nice post Teri.  Thanks for the card too!  Very nice surprise!!!!!!

Gary--It just hit me when I heard this that many people could fall for a scam like this. BTW--You are very welcome! :)

Great warning - its amazing to what lengths people will go to to take advantage of people. Great consumer info.    

Cyndee--This one really made me think...Crazy world we live in, eh?

I can see how anyone could get scammed on that one. It is amazing the things that scammers come up with to steal money. Thanks for the warning.

Bonnie--That was what I thought too...I could have fallen for this as well. I would question giving a credit card number or bank info though...Send a check! But can understand that someone else might be persuaded.

Teri, it's always something in this crazy world to be aware of....scam artists. I joined Lifelock.com this year and I finally have peace of mind on identity theft. I guess up to then I was waiting for something to happen before I did anything about it. Now I can sleep at night knowing I have up to 1 million dollars worth of protection.(lawyers included). A friend in Tennessee referred them to me. 

Lizette--Never heard of that company...but when our insurance company offered a similar identity theft rider, we added this past year for the same reason. Still it pays to be cautious as the problems it can cause sound frustrating!

Teri-

Yikes! What a mess... those scammers are so creative! I am sure they were most convincing. Identity theft is a terrible crime.

Great post! Keep it up and happy holidays!

~Emily

The San Diego Real Estate Expert

Emily--If they only worked as hard at something productive, the world would be a better place! Have a wonderful holiday too! :)