The Maine Bureau of Insurance is responding to another round of consumer inquiries about illegal sweepstakes scams and is again advising the public to beware.

“We have reports from individuals who have recently received bogus sweepstakes letters and checks using the logo and name of insurance companies without the company’s knowledge or authorization,” acting Superintendent of Insurance Eric Cioppa said in a prepared statement issued Friday. “There appears to be an increase in this type of fraudulent activity and we want to make sure individuals are aware that these sweepstakes and checks are not authentic.”

The scams, which were identified by the bureau earlier this year, often direct individuals to cash a counterfeit check and mail a handling fee to a company different from the named insurance company. Recipients of a fraudulent letter and counterfeit check are encouraged to call the Maine Bureau of Insurance at 624-8475 or 800-300-5000. They should also report the incident to local law enforcement authorities.

The Bureau of Insurance is part of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, which encourages sound ethical business practices through regulation of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations.