Like many others, I also received a letter and check from Industrial Alliance Financial Group, telling me that I had won a substantial amount of money in the North American Utilities sweepstakes. Here is the body of the letter I received:
"RE: AWARDWINNING NOTIFICATION
Congratulations on your success as one of the winners of the North American Utilities draw held on Monday April 12th, 2007. Participants were selected through a computer ballot system, drawn from 149, 000 telephone numbers and utilities bills of the individuals who signup for the services. Your ticket number: 5644581, with the serial number 65489 emerged as one of the winning tickets. You have therefore been awarded a lump sum pay out of $48, 500.00USD cash, which is the winning payout for the series. This is from total prize money of $5, 654, 000.00 shared aomg the winners.
Our firm has secured for, the percentage surcharge to be paid as commission on your winning prize to the Lotto Regulatory Board, saving you the trouble. The check for $3, 160.00 USD enclosed coversthe charges/fees required to be paid, prior to receiving your winning. Keep winning confidential until your prize money isreceivedto avoid multiple claims.
Please callyour payment coordinator Mrs. Antonia Jenkins or Mr. Jerome Thomas at 1-306-880-5392 as soon as you receive this notice to assistyou in finalizing thepayment process. Awardsare redeemable no later than August 22nd, 2007.
Congratulations!
Luch Gorsen
President"
This letter throws up NUMEROUS red flags. First, the computer ballot system. Most utility companies don't share their customer's names OR phone numbers. Second, the wording is just downright weird. I admit to entering a few sweepstakes now and then, and I have NEVER received an award letter that reads like this one. Third, I did a little research into the so-called 'Lotto Regulatory Board' and they don't even EXIST!! Lastly, why are they so adamant about you (the winner) keeping it a secret? If I won $48, 000, I'd be shouting it from the rooftops!
I also received acheckin the amount of $3, 160.00, but it wasn't signed by Mr. Gorsen, but by someone named Chris. Unfortunately, the person's last name isn't legible. On the top of the check are these words: "Security Warning: The Face of This Document Features a Colored Background and Microprint Borders--The Reverse Side Features Artificial Watermarks." I think they do that to make people THINK this scam is legit. I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed this, buton the lower left corner of the check is the name ofa "remitter". On mine, the remitter's name is Dionne Rush. Another attempt to make it look real? Seems that way to me.
I've received letters similar to this in the past, but ignored them. This one, I can't, especially after doing a little internet research. That's how I found this website. I felt it was my duty to report these scumbags so other people won't get roped in by them.
Okay, ona final note, let me be brutally honest. I seriously considered cashing the check. Right now, three thousand bucks would come in real handy. Thank goodness I had the common sense to do a little digging first. I may not be the brightest star in the sky, but I didn't exactly fall off the turnip truck yesterday either.
0 comments