New Hampshire Attorney General Philip McLaughlin issued a warning today to consumers to be wary of a new telemarketing scam that is targeting New Hampshire's senior citizens. The telemarketers introduce themselves as representatives of the "Wealth Sweepstakes" out of Atlanta, Georgia. They claim that the consumer has won hundreds of thousands of dollars and only needs to send a $2,000 insurance fee in order to receive their winnings. The caller asks the consumer to send the $2,000 fee through Western Union.

Attorney General McLaughlin asks consumers to contact the Consumer Protection Bureau immediately if they receive such a telephone call. The better the information the consumer can provide to the Consumer Protection Bureau regarding the name and address of the Western Union company the consumer is requested to send the money through would be very helpful in stopping the fraud.

Attorney General McLaughlin reminds consumers, "If it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true" and urges consumers to be particularly cautious of any telemarketing calls they receive.

Further information can be found at the Consumer Bureau's website.