Is this a con?

Question

I recieved a cashiers check for $2,990.00 from something called HealthCare United FCu saying I had won part of a random drawing involving the readers digest and publishers clearing house. The total being 50 thousand with the balance being held for processing fees. I have not taken this check to the bank yet though I would like too! Anybody know anything on this and if it is a scam then what should I do about it cause I'm unemployed and broke and it really irks me that someone wants to play me at this emotional level.

Answer 1

Sure got the earmarkings of scam on me. For one thing, if you won the lottery from Reader's Digest, then you would get a $50,000 check and you are responsible for taxes. Or a check minues 20% of taxes. Now if you cash the check, that might be one way the scammers can get your account number. Also, you could go to the bank, since the check is an out of town bank, to verify that the money is in that bank.

I have never heard of this type of scam. It usually involves you winning and you need to send a couple of hundred dollars in for processing fees. Besides, if you cash it and there is no money you will be in even BIGGER trouble. You might have to explain at the police station that you did not know it was a bogus check. Then you might start worrying of, "If I go to jail, will I be some bad man's girlfriend." lol

Call reader's digest and publisher's clearing house up. See what they say. Besides even if it was legit, they are scamming you of the processing fees. I do presume you recieved this in the postal mail not the internet. If it is internet email, then just delete. Totally bogus then.

Also the name I got was United Health Care. Scammers will switch names around knowing you will overlook that. Like the cocoa-cola sweepstakes I won in England. LOL Look at the name. You are so greedy for money that you overlook that it is cocoa not coco.

Answer 2

Of course it's a scam!

First, did you enter any drawing of any kind? No? Then how did they pick you?

Second, Reader's Digest and Publisher's Clearing House do NOT collaborate on contests.

Third, anything that says they're holding any amount of money back - ESPECIALLY if it's more than ten times the amount you're being sent, as is your case - is a scam. Somewhere down the line, probably when you try and cash that "check" - you're going to get hit for money, and then it'll be too late.

A few phone calls on your part for verification may be in order, but I'd say it's a pretty good bet that this whole thing is a scam.

Whatever you do, DO NOT cash that check until you verify it!

Answer 3

its probably a promissary note rather than a cashier's check.
once you cash the 2990.00 cashier's check, you are agreeing to pay back the entire $50,000 that the people who sent you the check will recieve.
I would contact HealthCare United FCu and inquire about it. and don't contact any numbers ont he check, contact the real organization, by looking them up on the net.

Answer 4

Let's see now. What did he really do? Did he create the force? Did he authorize the training? Did he plan the logistics? Did he authorize the funding? Did he plan the operation? I'll give Obama credit when he stands in front of a microphone and says, "The military deserves all the credit for this. All I did was give them the OK". Obama gives the orders to take out a few pirates and he's keeping us safe? Bush gives the orders to take out Saddam Hussein and his sons and where were you?

Answer 5

Yes it is a scam!!!! If you dont believe me than go ahead and cash the check and rue the consequences.

Answer 6

if you take it to the bank they will fold it 7 to 14 days till it clears

Answer 7

Your bank will be able to tell you if it's a scam,and it most likely is.

Answer 8

It is definitely a scam. Please don't cash and spend the money. You will have to give it back to the bank.
-MM

Answer 9

don't touch this ! this will get you in deep debt fast 1 if you have not entered any contest then it's FLUKE !

Answer 10

Yes, it is a scam.