I, too, received a check for $997.76 along with a letter stating I had won $9,000. The check looked authentic - but the letter was not professionally done.
I called the number and was instructed to either cash or deposit the check. The check, they said, was to be used to pay the taxes on the $9,000. I was told to call them again after I had completed the first step and I would be given instructions on 'how to pay my taxes".
Just a scam.