Complaint Review: Comtec Financial Trust Services

I received a letter in the mail on April 4th, 2008, dated March 28th with my correct name and address on a normal letter envelope with no return address and a Canada stamp. Enclosed was a letter on a basic piece of paper with Comtec Financial Trust Services and the following address under it 601 Hart Highway, Prince George, BC V2Z4L8 Tel: 1-250-813-0730. The subject line read:AWARD CLAIM NOTIFICATION. This is how the letter read:

Dear KELLY ****,

This is to inform you of the release of the annual Integrated Consumer's Clearing Awards held on March 10th, 2008. We are pleased to inform you that after a computerized drawing process of all entries and detailed analysis, your name came out as one of the names accorded a WINNER STATUS in the 3rd category. CONGRATULATIONS!

Your name attached to ticket number 728227-0-111 with the serial number 3009-90 drew the lucky numbers to win in the 3rd group. Consequently you have been approved for the lump sum payout of $45000.00 USD (FOURTY-FIVE THOUSAND) in cash credited to file with Ref. # 3726-NA214 and Batch# 009SA-742-03.

All participants were selected through a computerized ballot system drawn from the reader's digest, publisher's clearing house's, computer games, and sweepstakes with databases in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North and South America, South Africa, and Asia as part of our International Promotions Program (IPP), which is conducted annually. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Your funds have now been deposited with us and insured in your name. In accordance with established regulatory policies, htere is a required processing and administration fees on your winnings. We have enclosed a check in the amount of ($3,100) to enable you to pay for the processing/administration fees without undue financial difficulties. Your balance of $41,900 will be sent via a special delivery by courier within two business days upon payment confirmation.

To ensure that the enclosed check gets to the designated winner, the funds will be on hold until authorized. For authorization, verification, processing and payments, please contact your claim agent: Mrs. Jennifer SNYDER, at 1-250-813-0730. To ensure that your claim is promptly processed, please quote your Reference and Batch numbers with us all the time. All prize money must be claimed not later than April 28th, 2008.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE VERIFY YOUR ADDRESS, NAMES AND INITIALS AS GIVEN AND ADVISE YOUR AGENT OF ANY CHANGES.

The company is not responsible for lost, misdirected mail or late claims, we therefore urge you to please protect your Reference and Batch numbers at all time to avoid double and unscrupulous claims.

On behalf of our staff and sponsors, I wish you all the best and once again, Congratulations!

Best Regards,
(her signature)
Karin Kovasec
Director, Claims, and Accounting

I called and there was a message stating that the number was having technical issues and to call the following number 514-583-4621. I called and spoke with "Jennifer". She told me to deposit the check and once it cleared to call back and they would arrange for me to send $2900 of the $3100 via Moneygram at which point they would release my check.

I then searched on the bank name and company name online. They do not exist. I then googled the name Karin Kovasec and a report made just a few days ago (different company name but same exact people, obviously) on this website. After further examining the check it's obvious it's fraudulent but well done. Basically your bank will clear your funds, and then this company hopes you will wire the $2900 to get the rest of your money before your bank finds out the check is fraudulent. Leaving you in the hole $2900 with no check on the way. BE WARE! If you receive a check or letter like this do not deposit them and report it to the authorities IMMEDIATELY.

Kelly
Westminster, Maryland
U.S.A.