Scam Artists Thrive on American Idol Popularity and Gullible Society

A Warning for Consumers

Have you received an award letter in the mail lately? Are you a lucky winner of the "American Idol Sweepstakes" detailed in the letter? If so, you may be the target of a mail fraud scam. For years, consumers have been on the lookout for suspicious mail with unbelievable claims from unheard-of companies. However, scam artists have recently preyed upon the overwhelming success and popularity of "American Idol" to feed their scamming lifestyles.

FOX's "American Idol" website recently posted a news article warning consumers about the "American Idol Sweepstakes" mail fraud scam. On the news posting, FOX and "American Idol" producers urge consumers who receive mail addressed to "American Idol Sweepstakes Winner" to exercise caution. Included in the mailing are instructions to "claim" the sweepstakes prize, along with a phone number and fake checks. Should you receive such a mailing, FOX and the "American Idol" producers ask that you report the letter to the United States Postal Inspection Service.

But is "American Idol" alone? No. According to the 2007 Annual Report of Investigations from the United States Postal Service, mail fraud has involved everyone from credit card users to government employees. The report also states that nearly 9,000 people were arrested under suspicion of crimes involving mail in 2007. In particular, mail fraud resulted in the arrest of nearly 1,200 suspects after the postal service responded to over 27,000 reports of consumer fraud. Almost all of those arrested for mail fraud were convicted.

One of the convicted scam artists, Daniel Josic, was sentenced to just over four-and-a-half years in prison for masterminding a work-at-home scheme. With $2 million in consumer losses, Josic paid a fine of $250,000 in addition to serving the time behind bars. Together, Josic and his brother defrauded between 25,000 and 30,000 consumers by requesting an "advance fee" be paid via postal mail.