AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A business group in Texas has offered a warning about money schemes during St. Patrick's Day weekend.

The Better Business Bureau in Austin on Friday said scammers often use public holidays to target consumers with bogus sweepstake claims. St. Patrick's Day is Saturday.

The BBB says consumers across Texas frequently contact the group inquiring about a mail or phone notification announcing they've won a substantial sum of money.

BBB official Carrie Hurt says one clue about a fraudulent sweepstakes offer is requiring consumers to make a purchase to get a prize.

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Online:

http://www.bbb.org/ 

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