i received a letter stating i won $750,000.00 also attached was a check for over $5,000. (actual check) attached with a letter that says i won a sweepstakes last year...the letter also says to send them $3,200 back for the "taxes" payable to their office in Canada via western union, then they would send me the remainder of the $750,000..should i cash and keep the five grand, or keep the $1,800 and risk not getting anymore? help!
2006-09-05 11:52:20 · 17 answers · asked by bg4804 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
It is a scam. Do not do it. Show the letter to the police.
2006-09-05 11:55:50 · answer #1 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a tricky one because I have never known them to send an actual check before. My most accurate guess is that when you cash the check, they will get some kind of information from your bank. Then when you send a check back to them it will include your routing number account number, etc. Then they drain your account. BTW, this is a scam. Why would you have to give them money for the taxes? Why couldn't they take the taxes out of your winnings? Do you remember entering this "contest." I would either try to report this somewhere or just tear up the check and be done with it.
2006-09-05 18:59:37 · answer #2 · answered by KM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To begin with don't you think it is odd that they are asking for the taxes via Western Union? Also, if you are paying taxes why don't they just take it from the check? Why not send it direct to the government? Do you remember entering the contest? Can you verify this is a legit contest on-line or through other sources?
Stop and think, if it sounds too good to be true then there is a good chance it is.
2006-09-05 19:01:32 · answer #3 · answered by Erin S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is probably a scam. Does it say to send the money back, via western union in US Dollars or Pounds? I would definitely check this out with your US Attorney's Office. Did you actually enter a Sweepstakes? Probably not!
2006-09-05 19:00:07 · answer #4 · answered by skyeblue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask yourself:
1. Have you participated in a sweeptakes?
2. If answer is no. Do nothing on this letter. It's a hoax.
3. If your answer to Question 1 is "YES". Where is the coupon of the sweepstakes?.
Remember. There is no free lunch in this world.
2006-09-05 19:01:40 · answer #5 · answered by ptlconnections 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a SCAM... Don't go near it, you'll end up losing $3,200. The $5,000 wont clear and by the time you figure that out, they've got your money. Give the check and everything with it to the cops.
2006-09-05 19:03:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a scam. Take it to the police. If you cash it they will have your bank info and drain your account. You can't win a sweepstakes you didn't enter. The postal authorities will be very interested in this check.
2006-09-05 18:59:19 · answer #7 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not dare cash that check. This is one of the most common scams out there. You will lose big. Ask yourself, did you actually enter the "sweepstakes?"
Also, wouldn't the taxes be deducted from any winnings? Of course they would.
Protect yourself.
2006-09-05 18:56:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a Canadian Scam.. The check won't clear until they receive your $3,200. Avoid the check as if it is doused in anthrax.
2006-09-05 18:58:14 · answer #9 · answered by Tones 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this thing is for real why do you have to send them money back?
I would call a lawyer right away and see what he/she has to say about this.
I hope that it's true.
Best of luck to you
2006-09-05 18:55:59 · answer #10 · answered by christinglendale 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋