ING Direct Of Toronto, Ontario And United Financial Systems Inc. Of Boca Raton, FL Notification of $450,000 Sweepstake win with enclosed $4,950 check and request for $3900 to pay Non Resident Gov Service Tax Toronto Ontario Canada
I received a letter from ING Direct; 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Toronto, Ontario, via the US Postal Service that I was a winner of $450,000.00 Sweepstake and Lottery Draw held on October 1, 2008. Oh, how I wish it was true! I am a disabled housewife and mother of two girls, and since I just got out of the hospital on 11-18-2008, our expenses are high. As soon as I opened this letter I knew it was too good to be true! Enclosed is a very legitimate-looking check from a company entitled United Financial Systems, Inc. (California Trust Account)23123 State Rd. 7 Ste 340 in Boca Raton, FL. It is banked on Bank of America for the amount of $4,950.00. The letter informs me of my claim number, ticket number and requests that I pay a tax agent by the name of Bruce Matsumoto; 1944 Old Stage Dr, Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The letter states its purpose is to assist me in paying a required $3,900.00 for Non Resident Government Service Tax (GST) with the advance of $4,950 in US funds. It also advises me to contact assigned claims agent, Linda Jones or Sean Hamilton at Tel: 1-778-551-1055. John Garfield (Promotions Manager) is the author of the letter. Fortunately, I have read other reports from individuals on the Ripoff Report that this is not an uncommon scam and am extremely grateful for the warnings that prevented me from falling prey to these people. $3,900 removed from my bank account without the legit funds to cover would have devastated us for years to come. Thank you for having web sites like this one to protect the innocent. However, I am greatly concerned for others who may fall prey to these cruel and fraudulent scams. Can nothing be done to stop this? They used the mail for this scam, so shouldn't the postal service crack down on them? Obviously others are falling for this scam for these people are making money, otherwise it would not continue. Thank you, again, for every one who helps with the RipOff Report, and may you all have a blessed Holiday season.
Lynne
East Galesburg, Illinois
U.S.A.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Anonymous
Houston,Texas,
U.S.A.
Report this scam !!!!!!
#4Consumer Suggestion
Wed, December 17, 2008
The only way to get these scams stopped, is to REPORT THEM!!!!Contact the "fraud division" of the following:
1) US mail Service----1-877-876-2455 or postalinspectors.uspis.gov
2)Federal Trade Commission----1-877-832-4357
3) your local BBB
4)your local Attorney General's office
It takes some of your time to do this, however if you truely want to help protect others, it will be worth it!!!
Erica
Davie,Florida,
U.S.A.
United Financial Systems a victim of this scam also
#4UPDATE Employee
Wed, December 17, 2008
United Financial Systems is just as much a victim of this scam as anyone else. Somehow our bank account information was obtained and utilized in furtherance of the lottery scam. As such, we have taken the necessary steps to both prevent any further fraudulent activity on this account, as well as to insure that the authorities have as much information as possible to catch, and prosecute the thieves.
We are not affiliated with ING Direct of Ontario, nor any of the individuals listed in the letter. We did not approve, permit or sanction the use of our bank account. The use of the name United Financial Systems, Inc. also was not approved or sanctioned in this activity.
I am happy that Lynne of E. Galesburg, IL recognized that this was a scam and did not fall victim to it. I hope that others will be as vigilant.
At the risk of being redundant, United Financial Systems, Inc. had absolutely nothing to do with this scam and will not honor any fraudulent checks associated with same.
Laurie
Haslet,Texas,
U.S.A.
Others fall for it because they DON'T STOP AND THINK like you did
#4Consumer Comment
Thu, December 04, 2008
You thought it was too good to be true and took the time to check it out first.
Those who fall for it - see free money and run with it.
Then come here and whine about being ripped off without ever taking any personal responsibility for their own actions or lack of action that resulted in them being ripped off.