by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - The Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Advocate Office has seen in increase of unsuspecting victims of identity fraud and e-mail scams. Some of the most recent calls to consumers came from Hong Kong, notifying them they won $150,000 and would have to send in $9,000 for taxes to claim their prize.

A similar case involves a call by Asia Pacific Travel claiming the consumer won prize money and would have to pay more than $2,000 or the prize would be voided. The agency also got a couple messages mails out of Africa of prize money offers.

The AG's Office urges the public not to send any money or give out personal information, as this opens the door to identity theft. To report any suspicious call or e-mail contact the Consumer Advocate Office at 475-3324 ext. 171.