Lottery Scam...Please Read! Very Important Information!

Lottery Scam

Written by Anthony M. Davis

Recently my daughter received a letter in the mail with a $4,850 check. According to the letter, she had won over $120,000 in a lottery that she had never entered. The check apparently was to “help pay the Non-Resident Government Tax.” In order to receive the full winnings,she was supposed to send them a check for the amount of $3,100 to pay the taxes. Once they receive her check, they will release the full winning check. The letter was addressed from International Financial Inc. out of Nashville, TN. Yet, the letter was actually mailed from Canada (see postmark.) Fortunately, my daughter thought this was a bit suspect and contacted me. I told her to send it to me right away. After minimal research, I found that others had received the same letters and checks. Here’s how the scam works: The scammer sends a letter and check stating the victim has won a great deal of money. The check may or may not be good, or post-dated. It is canceled after a period of time. The victim deposits the check into their account, then sends them a check for $3,100. Because the scammer’s check is no longer good, the victim is out for the amount of $3,100. Some Points: If you win a contest or lottery you didn’t enter - it’s a scam If you win a LEGITIMATE contest - YOU are responsible for the taxes. If someone offers to “Help” you pay the tax - it’s a scam. If you get a check from someone you don’t know - it’s a scam If in doubt, do a simple Google search of the phone numbers, email addresses and names. In my searches, I found others received the same scam letters. Text of the Scam Letter We are pleased to advice you that you are a winner in the second category of our annual Sweepstakes and Lottery Draw held on May 21 st, 2009. This winning was as a result from the use of credit card bank card purchase, magazine subscriptions and internet gaming entries; further details will be made available to you later. All participant were selected through an electronic random name poll "NDBCS" (NAME DATA BASE COMPUTER BALLOT SYSTEM), this is a secure database and can only be accessed by authorized companies like NAGCS and other accredited lottery and government agencies. You are therefore entitled to the sum of payable to you by Bank Draft, Certified Check. Or Wire Transfer. In accordance with the Sweepstakes and Lottery Commission policy, your prize money has been forwarded to our Clearing / disbursement institution to release same to you. Consequently, enclosed is a check for $4,850.00 (Four Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Dollars) deducted from your winning. The purpose of this check is to assist you pay for the Non Resident Government Tax and disbursement fee which total ($3,100.00). A final payment of$120.l50.00 US Dollars will be issued to you after your winning had been processed, To avoid unnecessary delays, remember to quote your claim number in all your correspondence with our office. DAVID MOORE AT 1-416-829-2548 email: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm EST. Saturday 10.00am -3.00pm EST. For further instructions on how to claim your winning. David Moore Promotions If in doubt, check it out before becoming a victim.