In this particular scam, I was given a very real looking check for $4900.00. The scam claimed that I had won $100,000, and by some "sweepstakes act," I had to pay 3.9% of that money back (or $3900). So, I was supposed to cash this check and mail them $3900, leaving me $1000.These fake checks are so realistic that banks can't tell the difference for a few days. So, if I would have cashed it, I would have gotten $4900, mailed them $3900 of it, and then the bank would have gone after *ME* for defrauding THEM of $4900.
This particular scam was from the Alaska Grand Casino. I had to contact the "Claims Attorney" in order to find out where to send the $3900. His information:
Allen GoodmannIf you'd like to contact this person, feel free! I'm sure he's lonely.
1-647-219-5567
cnitelfin_sol@yahoo.com
The check and letter were both signed by scanned-in signatures. I'm GUESSING that these signatures were taken from checks mailed to them from victims. Isn't that sad? Several (fake?) addresses and PO boxes were given on the letter and check. One of them listed both a PO box and a street address. The street address and city name were constructed from other state names, which I thought was cute.
The mail was sent from Canada. I've notified the Ohio Attorney General and the US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). If you receive something similar, you should also notify your state attorney general and the USPIS.
