I received a letter in the mail today, addressed to myself with no return address. I was suspicious, yet curious, so I opened it and a check was enclosed inside a folded letter. The letter was dated February 10th, 2009 and had a claim no. in bold letters, right under my name. The check was in the amount of $4, 975.00.
I proceeded to humor myself and read it; it stated that I was 'one of' the declared winners of the "North American Shoppers Sweepstakes" held on December 29th 2008. Sweepstakes aren't typically done for the whole region of "North America! " How do you spell wise-guy? I.D.I.O.T! It even noted a Ticket Serial No. and a Lucky Winning No. My total winnings were $75, 000.00; a share of prize money totaling $3 Million dollars:). It further stated, they've made several unsuccessful attempts to contact me ~ yea right! I'm sure winning $75, 000 U.S. dollars, as the document promised, was just a 'total turn-off' in my eyes, kinda like those annoying solicitor's calls!!
Anywho ~ This 'Hero' proceeded to write; the check for $4, 975.00 is being sent to me in order to pay the applicable government taxes on the winnings, which amounts to $2, 985.00. Ok - wonder where or if he took elementary math!..The tax amount must be paid by either MoneyGram or Western Union directly to the 'tax agent.' ~ the plot thickens!!
It goes on to say, Once the winning is processed you will receive your 'final check' a lump sum of $70, 025.00, this amount will be delivered by FedEx. Please do not attempt to use this check until you call your claim agent for clarification... immediately or within 5 business days.
Mr. George Stanley (Claim Agent) 1-647-830-4118...
Congratulations, Yours Truly, Mrs. Helen Newton (Promotion Manager)
Ok, so I bit; I called to see what this genius sounded like and just as I figured (from a previous prank at work in the Legal Dept) the voice was from a gentleman of African decent (possibly Nigeria), and he was a bit evasive and in a hurry to hang up the phone when I asked him to clarify the letter. I continued to 'play along' in hopes that he might trip over himself, but, his conversation decreased to 'fast talk' then hang up, once he knew that I was 'fishing.'
Please be careful out there! To someone else, this offer may have sounded legitimate, since it was professionally typed and appeared official. This might sound like the 'deal of the century' if you're vulnerable, and given the state that the economy is in right now ~ layoffs, scarce jobs, etc., scam-artists are on the prowl; going to & fro; seeking which vulnerable victim to devour!
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