I received a letter from York Financial Services dated November 27, 2007 stating that I am "one of the declared winners of NORTH AMERICAN GAMING SWEEPSTAKES PRIZE" and that I am entitled to $120, 000 if I cash the enclosed $1950 check and send $1450 to a "tax agent" identified as Lee Boner, 279 Drew Street, Houston, TX 77004 via 7-Eleven or Wal-mart (neither of which are anywhere near me in Brooklyn, NY. The letter comes from York Financial Services, 262 Markham Road Scarborough, ON M1J 3C5. The letter never specifies which tax the "tax agent" is getting paid but that when the tax agent receives the $1450, then balance of $118, 050 will be sent to me via courier... I called and talked to a man and I asked what taxes are being paid and why they get sent to Mr. Boner instead of the government. He could not tell me but he could sure tell me how to get to Wal-mart and send the money order.
The reasoning behind the letter, the origination address in Canada and the need to make a "tax payment" to Texas seem strange.
Then it gets weirder. The enclosed check appears to be drawn on a legitimate bank (Cole Taylor Bank) and from the account of F.H. Paschen/S.N. Nielsen & Associates, a respected construction company (that, as far as I know has nothing to do with sweepstakes in Canada that require tax payments in Texas). The Check sent looks absolutely perfect down to the microprinting and watermark. I am surprised that I have not found much online about this very bizarre setup.
I did not send the money or try to cash the check, so I have not been ripped off, per se. However, I find the whole scheme to be dubious, especially given the cross-boarder aspects and drawing on a check from a company that has nothing to do with sweepstakes.
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