I received a letter about two weeks ago from a co. in Quebec/Canada stating that I had won 45,000.00 dollars and that I needed to call within 7 days to claim the prize and they enclosed a check for 3,250.00 which they claim is for nonresidential taxes. We researched the web and we couldn't find the name of the co....so we called the bank where the check was issued (MA) and they said that the check was not good. I contacted the co. that sent me the letter and have been talking to them and the last thing they said is that they are going to check with the bank but I have not heard from them yet...I called yesterday and they want me to send them the 3,250 out of my money while they look into this. Of course I said no.. Any ideas on how to handle this???
2007-02-01 03:53:45 · 14 answers · asked by maria521 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
As a bank consultant, I have seen many cases of this type of fraud. Bank employees are becoming increasingly more aware of these types of checks and are either placing extended holds on the checks when they are deposited, or are sending them for collection first. Unfortunately, I have also seen incidents where the customer was scammed before finding out the check was ficticious and was forced to borrow money to repay the loss.
If you do a web search for "Canadian Lottery Scam" you will find a wealth of information. Below is just one of many:
http://www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/Crimes/Telemarketing/Outbound/Major/lotteries.htm
Additionally, please refer to web address below for additional frauds. The OCC is the Office of the Comptroller of Currency the arm of government that oversees national banks.
The FTC has valuable information on the prevention of ID theft, which you should also read up on. The address is www.ftc.gov
I hope this helps. Your bank should also be able to give guidance. Since you were the potential victim, they may want to consider filing a SAR (Suspicious Activity Report).
2007-02-01 04:11:47 · answer #1 · answered by Terri K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Discontinue communication. Why on earth would they send you a check then expect you to send them money for a prize? That's absurd. The check is no good. They had their chance. Theyr'e a scam. Simply stop talking to them.
2007-02-01 03:57:13 · answer #2 · answered by sovereign_carrie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a scam that has been going around for a while, people calling claiming that you won the lottery that you havent even entered....don't do it..I work at a Bank and we have been advised of that scam!!
2007-02-01 03:58:14 · answer #3 · answered by CS 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just ignore them you never have to pay for a prize it is a racket and they will try to get money out of you. You could report them for mail fraud as well:http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/fraud/MailFraudComplaint.htm , with the hope they will be stopped before they scam anyone else. Good Luck!
2007-02-01 03:59:17 · answer #4 · answered by Walking on Sunshine 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem go to www.bbb.org and you can get the company check out for free, do not send them any money you can also search this site for company names and report or inquire about the company before you do anything. Take care Heather
2007-02-01 03:57:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scam with a capitol S....I heard about one similar the other night on the news, they are just trying to get your bank acct. number and your money...why would they ask you for money if they were trying to give yo money?...Clearly a scam, report it to the local police, these crooks pray on the elderly and you wouldn't beleive how many people fall for it...bad deal....
2007-02-01 03:59:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, I work as a fraud analyst for a major CDN bank....
It's a scam, don't contact them again, don't give them any personal information. Just drop it is the best thing you can do....
2007-02-01 03:56:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drop it like a hot potato! Do not pursue this any further. And DO NOT send them any money!! This is a big fat scam, and if you send them any money you will never see/hear from them or your money again.
2007-02-01 03:57:27 · answer #8 · answered by kittenpie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
news media, Police Dept, FBI.
Do not for any reason, send any thing back. Not money, Not the paper work that was sent you. Keep all as pruff of what was sent to you
2007-02-01 04:00:55 · answer #9 · answered by duster 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you enter a drawing, NO then it's a scam. You should have never contacted the people.
2007-02-01 03:57:07 · answer #10 · answered by Jessica H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋