BBB warns of phone scams in Kansas

The Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers about the ongoing phone call scams to Kansas residents.

Consumers are receiving phone calls with the caller ID showing " J. Kingston."

The caller requests you go to Western Union to wire a sum of money to them because you have won a large sum of money by using your credit card at national retailers, a news release said. The numbers are coming from Jamaica so residents are advised to be cautious since these are not free 800 numbers if the phone call is returned.

The phone calls can vary as to the type of prize you have won and how you have won it.

The BBB is asking consumers to be aware of these phone calls and mail scams. The scams have increased nationwide, not just in Kansas. The scammers' "message" may be different; but they are still trying to trick the consumer into wiring money, which could expose personal financial information and leave residents open to identity theft, the release said. Usually the money is wired outside the United States -- never to be seen again, the release said.

The BBB system is dedicated to advancing trust between businesses and consumers in both the traditional and online marketplace. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, the BBB system is comprised of 125 local Better Business Bureaus across the United States and Canada. The Better Business Bureau of Kansas Inc. began service as a not-for-profit corporation in 1928. The main office is in Wichita, but its services are available throughout its coverage area. For more information, visit www.bbb.org.