Received a check for the above specified amount mailed from Canada, stating that I'm one of the declared winners of the NORTH-AMERICAN/ EUROPEAN SWEEPSTAKE LOTTERY held on Dec 30th, 2005 in the second Category. It states I'm entitled to $9,800.00US dollars.

Here are the juicy statements.......

To expedite the processing, enclosed is the check of $975.00 dolars (but the check in the envelop is for $4, 975.00)which has been deducted from your winning. You will be using some money on the first check to pay for the applicable taxes on your winning of $9800.00.

The Tax amount is UDS $925.00 to be paid by MONEYGRAM.

Please do not attempt to use this check until you call and speak witht he claim agent Ms. Stacy Clarke at 1-705-770-0436 for further clarification and instruction on claiming your big winning.

The letter head
"Ontario Lottery and Gaming corporation
205 Bayfield St
Barrie, Ont, L4M 3B9
Tel: 405-770-0436"


Well I have not played any lottery or sweepstake, I think these crooks hope me to send them a check for $925.00, take my money and run. If I deposit this check of $4,975.00 in my bank I will get a fee charged by my bank for depositing a check with insufficent funds, and besides that these crooks will get my bank info.

What do you guys think I do? Report this to who?

Thank for your help.

Personally, I would either just ignore it.

If you really want to report them, check out this page:

http://www.olgc.ca/consumer_protection.jsp

Definitely report it...lots of people would probably fall for that.

I think you're right about this being a scam and the check being a counterfeit. Since you got this by mail, you may want to use https://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/fraud...udComplaint.htm to file your complaint. Other government agencies like the FTC also have consumer complaint forms.

Thanks checked the link, here it is:

I'm going to scan this check and letter and send them the info, so at least they can shut down one of their location proliferating fraud.


Excert from: http://www.olgc.ca/consumer_protection.jsp#4Fraud Alerts
August 20, 2006 - "OLG ('OLGC' - Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation) Fraud Alert" OLG (OLGC), Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort and OLG Slots and Casino facilities are not associated with unsolicited mailings collecting taxes or fees on lottery winnings.

OLG is not associated with unsolicited mailings collecting taxes or fees on lottery winnings.
A suspected fraud operation using the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) name and logo is NOT associated in any way with OLG. The suspected fraudsters usually target our non-Canadian residents, asking them to make Canadian "tax and charge payments" in order to facilitate a large 'prize' payment.

Typically, the victim receives an unsolicited email or regular mail printed on mock "OLGC or OLG" letterhead. A cheque is included with the letter, identifying the recipient as an OLG lottery winner. The letter states that to receive the prize, the addressee must first pay part of the taxes allegedly owed on the prize amount. The "winner" is instructed to deposit the cheque and then forward the "applicable taxes" to OLG by Western Union or Moneygram.

No taxes or fees of any kind have to be paid to Canadian authorities on legitimate lottery winnings in Canada. Any unsolicited email, letter, or telephone call requesting you to do otherwise is a fraud. Do not, under any circumstances, send money to someone making such a request of you.

OLG does not use third parties to locate or pay its winners, nor does it operate lotteries outside of the province of Ontario, Canada. Persons who receive communications of this nature should refuse payment and contact their local police and "Phone Busters" (1-888-495-8501 or info@phonebusters.com), a Canadian organization of law enforcement agencies that investigates Telemarketing and E-mail frauds. Visit www.phonebusters.com for more information.



Learn how to identify Lottery Fraud
Have you received any unsolicited email, letter, or telephone call requesting you to pay taxes or fees on lottery winnings? If so, you may be a victim of fraud. Read the fraud indicators below for tips to identify and avoid lottery fraud and scams

Fraud Indicators
You did not buy a ticket.
You have never heard of the lottery game.
You did not register your name, address, email address, phone number, and a credit card before you were allowed to buy a ticket on an online lottery web site.
You do not live in the country and you are not a citizen of the country of that lottery.
You are asked to pay money up front for fees or taxes in order to release your "win."
You are told you must reply within a given time or the money will be given to someone else.

Report Lottery Fraud
Phonebusters:
1-888-495-8501
info@phonebusters.com
www.phonebusters.com

Too bad they want you to pay the "tax" via MoneyGram. It would have been much funnier had you endorsed their fake check and sent it back to them w/ a note: "Keep the change!"

Yep, it sounds like a scam. I would probably verify whether there are sufficient funds for it though (that does not imply that I would "moneygram" them a grand if there was, I would just be incredibly curious because I am curious by nature).

It doesn't sound like a scam, it IS one.

Of course it is. Like I said, curiosity would make me verify the funds just for grins.

Ohhhh man, your so lucky you won that Canadian lottery. You should send them the check instantly, or even better, wire transfer the money using Western Union. That way you can be rich, that much quicker.