(Washington,DC) The District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is issuing a strong warning to consumers nationwide regarding a vicious sweepstakes scam.

According to the agency's Office of Consumer Protection, telemarketers and con artists are calling consumers across the country claiming to represent "the national consumer protection agency," or the "Office of Consumer Affairs at 941 North Capitol Street in Washington, DC."

Fraud victims are asked to wire money to a foreign country. The scam artists often suggest using a commercial money transfer company like Western Union to wire the money to an agent of "Lloyd’s of London" or another well-known insurance company to insure delivery of the prize.

But many consumers have discovered that the winnings never materialize and the thieves disappear with the money.

"These crooks attempt to add legitimacy to their sweepstakes con by using the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of real government agencies," said Bob Harris, Manager of the District of Columbia Office of Consumer Protection. "They ask consumers to cover the taxes, surcharges or service fees for 'sweepstakes winnings' and trick consumers into believing that the prize is being supervised by a government agency."