A letter came in the mail the other day from a Northwest Financial Inc. The leter stated that my reference number was drawn out of a lottery by North America Vacationers Sweepstakes/Lottery system and I had won a lump sum of $20, 000 plus a free two day cruise on Imperial majesty cruise lines.
The letter included a cashier check in the amount of almost $3, 000 in my name.
The instructions were to place this check in my account and once it " cleared" to call Ms. Michele Hill and she would send me my "package" which was $17, 000 and a free cruise.
I decided to call Ms. hill and she informed me that the check was the taxes off my winnings. That it was due to the Candian goverment, and that Northest had my winnings and once I had this check clear in my bank I was suppose to remove it and send them the $3, 000. Where upon they would issue me my lottery funds.
Being skeptical, I called the bank that the cashier check was made by. They were called People's bank located in Bridgeport, Ct. After a few phone calls I found out that this bank did not issue me any check and the info on the check did not come up in they're system.
I talked to my bank and they advised against me depositing this check. Saying that the check might "initally" clear, causing someone to think the check is OK. However the check would bounce at the next bank, maybe 2-3 weeks later. The end result would be the person would be on the hook for the amount of the bounced check. Meanwhile the company you sent the cleared funds to (Northest Financial in this case) would have the money and you would not get your winnings as no package would ever show up.
I called Ms Michele Hill and told her of my results after a little research, she said the check was good and to call the number on the check then hung up rudely. Of course there is no number on the check to call and Ms hill has returned none of the voice messeages I have since sent her.
A word to the wise, this is a cleaverly written scam designed to play on people's emotions. With the idea that you instantly won a large amount of money. You rush to the bank and deposit the check and then send it to this company when it clears. Hoping to get your lump sum of money and a free cruise, but unfortunately all you get it the bank calling you and letting you know that you need to pay for the bounced check that you just sent some company the real money for!
In my case, it would have costed me $3, 000. Be on the lookout for scams like this!!
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