My spanish speaking friend received a check in the mail purportedly from Concentra Financial:
"Final Notice! "
Congratulations on your success as a lucky winner from the Concentra Financial draw held on July 30th 2007. You have been approved to claim a total sum of $73500USD, which has been credited to file #92-487-2854. This is from a total cash prize of $588, 000USD. 270000 participants were selected through an international database consisting of Europe, Asia, Autralia and North America.
Enclosed is a cheque for $3595USD. Your award claim has been developed in order for you to meet all international, federal, institutional taxes and fees. Please contact an agent immediately, to commence the process to facilitate you in the final steps towards the release of your funds."
The letter went on to have her call 1-780-607-4591to file her "claim" and receive further instructions.
She was suspicious, so I helped her google the facts - Concentra Financial seems legitimate, as does People's Bank (on whom the check was drawn). There were logos for Reader's Digest, Online Games, Microsoft and Virgin above a postal code on the bottom of the letter. When I chlecked the phone number, however, I found a complaint on this site about the same scam with World Financial Group/Ian Smith.
She did not try to cash the check, nor pursue it further, and I advised her to take it to the local postmaster.
0 comments