Dave
New Westminster,#2Consumer Suggestion
Sun, December 24, 2006
They are trying to steal your money. There is no North American Lottery. The laws of both the US and Canada forbid such a thing. If such a thing existed, taxes would be taken from the jackpot BEFORE paying out the prizes -- that's how the lotteries work in Canada -- or you'd have to remit the taxes to the government as part of your income tax return. The scam involves convincing a victim to send money via wire (Western Union, or Moneygram) to an individual in Canada. The government in Canada has many ways to collect taxes or fees. They do not need to have cash sent to a Western Union office. A wire transfer is LESS secure than sending cash through the mail. At least with the mail, there is some logical process for how the envelope gets processed and delivered. For wire transfers, the money can be collected from any office. Please don't send any money to anyone. That check will only get you in trouble. Don't cash it. Give it to the police.