
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, February 26, 1991                   TAG: 9102260048
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Tammy Poole
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

PROMOTER WAS REAL `WINNER' IN SWEEPSTAKES

Q: I received a postcard in the mail from Sweepstakes International Inc. saying I had been selected to receive one of several prizes a prize worth up to $50,000 in the Grand National Magazine Sweestakes.

I had to call a 900 number on the card and give my confirmation number to see which prize I had won. I called immediately and was put on hold while they checked my number. The telephone call cost me $9.95, and I have not received a prize or a reply.

I have been waiting patiently for my prize. Would you please check on this for me? - Mrs. L.D.F., Pulaski

A: The real winner in the promotion by Sweepstakes International Inc. of Atlanta, Ga., was the promoter, Michael Garone, according to the United States Postal Service of Washington, D.C.

A federal judge has temporarily impounded $600,000 in fees from calls to the sweepstake's 900 number, and the postal service has accused Garone of fraudulently using a 900 telephone number in the nationwide vacation scheme.

Garone mass-mailed identical postcards nationwide telling recipients they were "winners" of a 1991 Mercedes-Benz sedan, a Sea Ray sport boat, vacations to several locations including Hawaii, or a $10,000 cashier's check.

You are one of 170,000 callers who paid a $9.95 toll charge to find out what prize you had won, according to the postal service. Callers were not adequately informed about the toll charge before dialing the 900 number, said postal service lawyer Geoff Drucker.

If you would like more information on this case, contact Lou Eberhardt of the postal service at (202) 268-2167.

Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is, advises the postal service.

by CNB