Firstly, I thank all who have written about similar situations as they helped me to determine the mail I received today to be fraudulent.
I received a check in the mail today for $3, 176.72, with an accompanying letter stating I was a 3rd Grand Prize sweepstakes winner and had unclaimed winnings in the amount of $75, 000. In order to claim the winnings I was to first call my claims agent, Robert Taylor, at 514-660-2965 to activate the enclosed check. Secondly I was to cash the check, and thirdly I was to send a processing fee to the company in order to release my winnings. The letter stated:
"It is our duty to inform you of the existence of International Law Guiding the fair personal collection of cash prizes. This International Law stipulates that a winner pays a processing fee before his/her funds are released. The same law also prevents you from paying the fees out of your personal pocket."
It states further in the letter: "You will be notified by your claims agent on how much to withdraw and send to the Processing Office to finalize the payment of your winnings. Please note that the amount on your check shall be deducted from your winnings as soon as it is processed and released. The balance of your total winnings will be paid out to you upon receipt of your processing fees." The letter is signed Jerry Scofield, Clearing Commissioner.
The bank the check is drawn on is Nantahala Bank and Trust Company, a legitimate bank in North Carolina.
I hope someone finds these folks!! I'm skeptical by nature of anything that looks too good to be true, but there are many trusting (and often elderly) souls out there.
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