2007-03-28 16:16:27 · 15 answers · asked by wendyharmon_29 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
I received a similar letter and enclosed in the letter was a check for almost $3,000. I googled the name of the company that I supposedly won from and the name was legitamate and they had really had a drawing. The difference was their winnings were for a total of $5,000 and I was told I had won $100,000. It was a cancer research center. I next called the bank the check was written on. The check stated it was from a very well known insurance company. The company was in British Columbia and the check was drawn in Michigan. When I called the bank to verify that the check was valid, I was informed not to cash the check it was no good. It looked real, even had the water marks on it. I next contacted my local FBI because I didn't want someone else that is desperate for money to cash the check and send them the money to get their $100,000 that doesn't really exist. Once they get the money that you cashed on your bank you are out the however many dollars that fake check is written for. I don't know if you received a check with your letter or not but my guess is that it is a scam. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints filed against the company that sent you the letter. The company that my fake letter was from wasn't registered with the better business bureau so I did some further investigation and was really glad I did. Good luck. I hope for your sake that the letter is real.
2007-03-28 16:39:44 · answer #1 · answered by loveystar1 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with everyone that it is NOT legitimate. Some things to look for, since you are asking:
Scams originate from Nigeria, South Africa--any 3rd world foreign country that does not hold their citizens accountable for fraud.
Another big alarm should be numerous spelling errors and grammar that seems out of place. Big words that, in a sentence, do not make sense.
Lastly, these letters ask for you to send them a reply--to start this process. Once you send that email-- they know they have you.
A good show to watch about this was on Dateline NBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17713446/
To sum it up-- If you do not know the person who sent the email. DELETE IT and forget about---or it will cost you your life savings-- Don't be stupid to believe in 'easy money'......If it seems to good to be true- it is.
2007-03-28 16:32:10 · answer #2 · answered by mbarnes73 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First asked yourself... when is the last time you entered a contest? If you have entered one, then maybe, just maybe you got lucky but if the answer is never, then throw that letter away, I dont even open those types of letters, I just throw them straight to the trash. Also the types that say you've been approved.... and I have never even applied.
2007-03-28 16:21:42 · answer #3 · answered by Joe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always call the Better Business Bureau in your area. They will be the ones who can tell you EXACTLY. If it is from say "Spain" or any other foreign country its a scam. "Too Good to be TRUE" is TRUE. Here's the rundown: Once you deposit that check in the bank, the cash the banks hands you will have to be paid back to the bank. Once the bank finds out that it is a fradulent check. IF they cash it.
2007-03-28 16:23:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, but I'd be very skeptical and cautious. If they want your bank info or if they want you to send them any money at all, don't to it and report them to the State's Consumer Protection Office or the Attorney Generals Office.
2007-03-28 16:21:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i before e exept after c. Are they offering to sell anything. Usually those letters are from some sales agency, and when you answer the letter they send you all sorts of $hit.
2007-03-28 16:20:00 · answer #6 · answered by Mr. King 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not. To substantiate it, go to any website (ie. google) and type the company name in to see if any complaints ate listed. Usually the words "____(insert comany name here____" and "scam" do the job
2007-03-28 16:20:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
let me guess... they want you to send them personal info and a small deposit via western union? They use different methods and technics but these are variations of the "Nigerian scam" or advance fee fraud.
2007-03-28 16:22:13 · answer #8 · answered by creativeblox 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you didn't enter a legitimate contest then it's not real.
2007-03-28 16:20:29 · answer #9 · answered by DeborahDel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not legit, those are NEVER legit. Tear it up and throw it away, then thank your lucky stars you were not dumb enough to fall for that.
2007-03-28 16:19:44 · answer #10 · answered by HoustonTexan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋