Complaint Review: De Monaco Heritage Fund

Today the 10th Jan 2007 I received a letter from Jacqueline De Monaco who is apparently the founder member of the De Monaco Heritage Fund? In her letter I was informed that she had some news for me that will come as a complete surprise for me.
The letter states that exactly three months ago my name was submitted, in private nomination, to be the recipient of an individual award from the De Monaco Heritage Fund. Apparently 250 names were nominated and my nomination was the one approved.

The letter continues. This award as it has for many others will help you to take your life in an entirely new direction. For the average person today, it is becoming harder and harder to just "get by." Especially if, like so many millions of Britons, you are on a fixed income.

The letter goes on to mention that rising energy costs increase the prices of everything from clothing to travel and food. And that the award will make a big difference for me from today on. Also these awards are only made to honest, worthy recipients like myself! And that the award is granted unconditionally.

There are many more paragraphs in the letter, one in particular quotes famous names who also gave money and gifts away. Among them Elvis Presley, Princess Diana, Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Lewis and Howard Hughes.

The letter ends by congatulating me on being nominated. And is signed by J.De Monaco.

Finally I am asked to send a cheque for 17.95 payable to: De Monaco Heritage Fund to help cover administrative costs.

As there is no telephone number, fax number or email address, and the fact the letter was addressed incorrectly I immediately became suspicious. Also their postal address is to a P.O. Box, which again aroused my suspicions.

Patrick
bristol
United Kingdom