I received a letter stating I had won a sweepstakes and was entitled to the sum of $125, 000.00 US dollars. There was also a check in the amount of $4875.00. The letter stated this amount was to pay the taxes on total winnings and was to be paid either by MoneyGram or Western Union directly to the tax agent listed on the letter. I am thinking to myself, "directly to the tax agent, not going to happen".
I did however, call the number listed on the letter, I was assured the check was good and to deposit it in my account. Once I had deposited it, I was to call back immediately for further instructions how to pay the taxes and receive my final payment of $120, 125.00. Now I have two red flags; directly to the tax agent and call back immediately.
I went to usaconsumercomplaints.com and did some resource. Surprise, surprise, I found I wasn't the only one being solicited by this same company with nearly identical circumstances. I contacted the Dallas FBI and verified this was a scam. According to the FBI, these scammers are hoping you will deposit the check and follow their instructions to send money back to them for the "taxes". Once you have done this, they (the scammers) will then stop payment on the check you received/deposited or close the account the check was drawn on before it has a chance to clear leaving you holding the bag. The FBI is now in possession of the letter and check.
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