PINE VALLEY SECURITIES, INC
DE-LOTTO NORTH AMERICAN SWEEPSTAKES LOTTERY

I received a letter from Pine Valley Securities Inc. stating that I had won a sweepstakes by which I was entered and randomly selected when I shopped at Home Depot, K-Mart, Wal-Mart or JC Penneys. They mailed me a check in the amount of $4875.00 which I was not to deposit or cash until I had spoken with either JOSEPH I. PETER (Promotions Mgr.) or PHILIP ADAMS (Claims/Disbursement Agent) regarding my winnings. I called the number and spoke with an agressive man from NIGERIA, gave him my claim information and he proceeded to give me the information stated in the letter on how to claim my prize of $125, 000.00. I was told to cash the check I was sent and send them via WESTERN UNION or MONEYGRAM the amount of $2875.00USD to cover and pay the applicable GOVERNMENT TAXES. which was to be paid DIRECTLY to the TAX AGENT!

He stated that when I cashed the check I was to call them back at the number given, advise of my claim number so they could give me the address to which I was to mail the now requested money order. He advised that when I called back he would give me the details on how I would collect my final winnings in the amount of $120, 125.00. He said it would come to me via Fed-Ex, and that upon delivery I would have to show proof of identification to insure proper delivery. He advised that they would not need my bank information, social security or driver license numbers in order to expedite the check for the winnings. I proceeded to ask him questions such as if they were registered with the BBB and he advised he had no knowledge since they were the INTERNATIONAL CLAIMS DEPT. representing the company on the letterhead. The check indeed fictitious, looks very authentic drawn under WACHOVIA BANK! what gives this scam away is the computer generated signature on the check! I remembered hearing about these scams on DATELINE, PRIMETIME and 20/20, so I proceeded to google the company listed on the letterhead and my suspisions were confirmed, it is a SCAM!!!

People, please be careful with these types of letters/offers. These people have the technology to get your personal information and steal your identity.
In my opinion what gave this SCAM away is when they request you to keep the check and letter CONFIDENTIAL until you have contacted them. BEWARE!

Company: PINE VALLEY SECURITIES, INC
Country: Canada
Province: Ontario
City: TORONTO
Address: 100 KING STREET
Phone: 4168560024

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