FYI
I received a letter from British Random Lotto. Luckily I was smart enough to Google it and read the countless statements from other individuals that have received this letter and check. The check was from Landis Supply of New Jersey, INC. This is what the letter and check looks like:
--------------------
British Random Lotto
British Random Trust
Winning Certificate
This is to certify that: Stephanie XXXX
Ref# NPF 567321H048
Winner ID: 9008654
Date July 20, 2006
We are pleased to inform you that after the just comcluded BRITISH RANDOM LOTTO held in London, England, that you emerged as one of the winners of the British International Lottery programs. Participants were selected through a computer ballot system draw from one million five hundred thousand names drawn from Asia, Europe, and North America. Your name attached to ticket number 60087-6045 with serial number 012-00115 drew the lucky numbers of 21-27-8-15-34 which subsequently won the lotterry in the third category. You have therefore been approved for the lump sum of $85,500.00 USD in cash credited to file with Ref: No. GACC/2855/7705. This is from a total cash prize of $1,453,500.00 USD shared among seventeen international winners in this category. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Assistance check of $2,993.77 is enclosed to enable you finance the international clearence fees of $2,841.50. Your clearence fee should be remitted to our designated North American Agent. Consequently, you will receive a total of $85,500.00 minus $5,301.00 (6.2% Sponsor's Commision). Invariably, you will receive a total of $80,199.00. Your agent will give you further details.
We ask that you keep this award from public notice until your claim has been processed and money remitted to your account, as this is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming or unwarranted taking of advantage of the program by the participants and the public.
To begin your Lottery claim, contact your claim agent, MONICA DAVIS, of Royal Imperial Financial Management Group at 90 Gardiner Street Sutie 401, Edmonton, AB, 2T1 6G1, an accredited agency to BRITISH RANDOM LOTTO at TEL: 1-204-951-7462
Note that all prize money must be claimed no later than August 14, 2006. Ensure you contact your agent for the ACTIVATION AND AUTHORISATION of your check.
CONGRATULATIONS! once more
Signed: John W Pope
___________________
Douglas Ferdinand
Prize Co-ordinator
The Check:
Landis Supply of New Jersey, INS
1590 N. Main Road
PO Box 1353
Vineland, New Jersdey 8362-1353
780-604-0939
Mintola National Bank
Minotola, New Jersey
Check#073544
AMT# 2,993.77
--------------------
The check looks Real
So I called the number in the letter. A gentleman with a thick accent answered the phone and told me to call back in 10mins. I called back and reached Teresa. She explained to me I needed to deposit the check into my account wait for it to clear and then withdraw the money. THen I need to western union the money to Jennifer Duram (One of the agents of the lottery board) at 476 72nd Ave Sutie 105 montreal, QC H4B2M5, to pay for the US taxes on my winnings. Then I need to call teresa back with the confirmation # from western union. She told me not to tell the people at my bank that I won the lottery because the IRS would take most of my money away. I asked why the signature and the name on the letter were different, she said that doesn't matter, sometimes other people have to sign it. SO, what happens is the your bank will hold the check for 5 days or so then allow to to withdraw the money, you send it to Canada, the 10days later your bank calls you back and says the check is fake and they need the money back. SO you are in debt and the Canadian person is enjoying the untraceable money you sent them by western union. Needless to say I am glad that I didn't fall for this scam like others did.
If anyone knows what we can do to stop these people please let me know, I am keeping the letter and the check.
Thanks for reading,
Stephanie
Pensacola, Florida
U.S.A.