June 22, 2009: I received a letter from MC & F Holdings Incorporated at the address noted as 'Award Notification.' The letter informed me of the 'results of the Market Survey Sweepstakes Lottery Program held on June the 11th, 2009.' It contained a ticket number and claim number along with the chosen lucky numbers won in the lotter in the 3rd category. A ticket that I did not purchase or recall completing.
The letter was accompanied by a check in the amount of $4886.64 drawn on JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. in Dallas TX, on account titled Mcchia Foundations at 3195 Dowlen Rd #101-416 in Beaumont TX 77706. The check was 'deducted' from the alleged winnings that I were approved for in the amount of $125, 000 by certified check, delivered by special courier. The letter asks us to contact a claims agent, Mr. Jim Wilson, at 1-778-858-1754. The check is for payment of Canadian Non-Resident Government Services Tax (GST) in the amount of $3.685.21, and for payment instructions to contact the same agent and number.
Several things gave clues to being a scam/fake. The name of the business on the check, accountholder, does not exist and when researched on the Internet. Researched the phone number on the Net and found it to be noted on numerous scams as well as the address on the check, as well as a cell phone number and not of a business. Whether or not the check is real, this is a scam to harm the unsuspecting consumer, YOU. The obvious use of a US business name, address, and bank then the information coming from an alleged foreign - yes Canada is foreign - entity. Definite clues to be wary.
Called the number out of curiosity. The respondent told me to deposit the check and to call back with any information - that was an odd statement and request. When asked how we were selected, he asked I if used my credit card at a WalMart, JCPenneys or other major retail store lately, which most consumers would say yes. I countered with if our credit card company were sponsoring a contest then the information would have come from our credit card company. The respondent then simply told me to deposit the check and within a few days and to call him back to send my other I called him back the next day and he said that Iwould have to$3, 685.21 first by western union or money gram and to tell them that he was part of my family so that they would not overcharged me for that money and after he would recive the money he would send me the rest my money he told me to call at 778-316-2075 veronica moore to give her a tracking #. This is the first that I've seen of this type of scam in our area. PLEASE be wary and suspicious when receiving an unexpected check in the mail claiming that you've WON a sweepstakes or lottery that you did not enter!
0 comments