Complaint Review: Universal Lending Solutions (possibly Without Their Knowledge)

1. An overseas letter from the UK without a return address.

2. Enclosed is a check for $1,600 issued in the name of Universal Lending Solution, 5429 Hardingd (sic) Highway Unit 202, Mays Landing, NJ 08330 and issued by The Provident Bank, 464-472 Avenue C, Bayonne, NJ 07002.

3. Enclosed letter has Universal Lending Solutions logo in upper right-hand and notes at the bottom of the letter that Universal Lending Solutions is "authorised and regulated" by the Financial Services Authority in the UK.

4. Letter announces that you are a winner of a Lottery Draw held in the UK and that you are guaranteed a lump sum of $50,000 USD to be sent via certified check. Letter explains that the enclosed check is to cover a $1,500 Non-Resident Government Tax that must be paid to tax authorities in the UK before the winning proceeds can be distributed.

5. Instructions for payment of the Non-Resident Government Tax are to wire money to Margaret Moore, 15 Highbury Road, London N4 7GT UK via Western Union Money Transfer.

6. Letter further instructs you to keep winning information secret until the claim has been fully processed and moneyt has been remitted.

7. Letter also states that they must hear from you within 7 days or the claim will be invalid.

8. Letter states that you are to contact claims agents Ms Vicky Brown or Mr Fred Davis at 01144 7624172665 and provide them with the money transfer control number to confirm the tax payment and release the prize winnings.

Notes:

1. Warning 1 - no return address on envelope.
2. Warning 2 - No explanation of Universal Lending Solutions role in processing claim.
3. Universal Lending Solutions is a legitimate company with an address at 5429 Harding Highway Suite 202, Mays Landing, NJ.
4. Provident Bank is a legitimate bank with a branch at 464 Avenue C in Bayonne, NJ.
5. Warning 3 - 15 Highbury Road in London is not in N4 7GT postal code.
6. Warning 4 - need for secrecy and urgency makes no sense.
7. Warning 5 - why would you need to call someone to let them know that the payment has been made?

My guess is that someone is using legitimate businesses as a cover. You cash the check but the bank holds it. You send money to the UK and tell them it has been sent. The check they sent you ultimately bounces and you are out of $1,500.

Jay
San Carlos, California
U.S.A.