After receiving my "Congratulations Letter" which included two checks in the amounts of $1, 680.25 and $12, 220.18, I did as I was directed in the letter which stated upon receipt contact Cynthia Smith at Deluxe Exchange Bureau 1 (403) 383-8595 for further instruction.
She advised me to go ahead and cash the smaller check now and to contact her when I did so for further instructions, as I would need to send $1, 550.00 for the Surety Bond Purchase Requisition Form that would verify the funds of the larger check and therefore cashable, but only at that time could it be cashed. (Memo on check states *Negotiable with Surety Bond Certificate Only*)
In skepticism I then proceeded on my own to verify with Wells Fargo that this indeed was a ligitament document & account number & check number. After several different calls I was then told by Wells Fargo that yes indeed it was all correct. I considered opening a special bank account and depositing the funds into this account, yet I still was not convinced. So I opted to drive the 171 miles (a 3hr drive) to the exact bank that the check was written.
They pulled up the account and entered all the information, then the teller said she had to call for verification. It is indeed a TOTAL SCAM. They were very upset, the check is worthless and when I showed her the letter, other check, Surety Bond Form etc., she immediately took all documents and copied them for me for my records and advised that I contact the postal service first to alert them of "Mail Fraud". The authorities with the bank were then notified.
She stated that what this company has done is they have stolen an account number/check number/bank information etc etc..and yes the account was a Canadian company, however, there is nothing on the check stating that. She said this was a fraud and kept the actual checks.
I then decided that I would play their game once I had finished in the bank. I went to my car and contacted Cynthia Smith again and told her I had just cashed the check and what do I do from there. She stated to send a Money Gram to "Mike Jason; Toronto Halifax Nova Scotia Canada" & to call her with the transaction number then fax the Surety Bond Form to them & I would receive my Certificate within 24-48hrs by courier to my home. I then proceeded back into the bank to give them this information as well.
I did all of this just to get as much information possible so that hopefully someone in authority can take the proper measures to stop these people. I can't say I was totally surprised, however I am out $70.00 in gas. Yet I am glad that I persisted and saved myself any legal battles with the banks etc. and or having to refund all monies had my bank allowed it to go through, as they may very well not known of the fraudulent account until it was too late.
I hope this keeps someone else from anytime and expense you might otherwise put yourself through, especially after I went to such lengths to make sure it was valid. Its unfortunate that there are such scum buckets out there that could care less what this may infact truly do to someone.
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