My husband received a letter on letterhead: Imperial Foundation Lotto - United Random Draws -- Award Certificate with a legitimate-looking check from Southern California Edison - for the amount of $2995.50. This letter states that he won the lotto held in Dublin, Ireland (we never entered an international lotto) and guarantees our winnings of $120, 000.00 USD.
The enclosed check was to assist us in financing the international clearance fees of $2840.00, which should be forwarded to their designated "North America Agent". Then continues to state that we will receive $120, 000.00 minus $6000.00 (5% sponsor's commission). Our total net winnings would be $114, 000.00. "Your agent will give you further details. In order to avoid double claiming or unwaranted taking advantage of this program by participants and the public, we therefore strongly advise that you keep this award highly confidential as part of our security protocol until your winning has been processed and money remitted to you."
This letter goes on to state: "To commence your claim, contact your agent, KATHY ANDERSON, OF ALPHA FINANCIERS at 1245 Dawson Blvd., Ste 400, London, England, and accredited agency to Imperial Foundation Lotto at 011-44-7847854201. NOTE: all prizes must be claimed not later than February 22. Ensure you contact your agent for the AUTHORIZATION AND ACTIVATION of your check."
The letter then congratulates you for winning and is signed by "James Langley" (typewritten), but the signature looks like "Lois L. (the last name is illegible) - Prize Co-ordinator (as written).
The check is interesting. It has the Southern California EDISON logo on it then gives the address as: P.O. Box 700, Rosemead, CA 91770 then states: JP Morgan Chase, Syracuse, NY 13206.
It looks real. I probably would have called the number if my husband hadn't researched the internet to see if this was real.
Of course, a good rule of thumb is to never give out your account numbers anyway. It probably would not have gotten that far. BE CAREFUL!
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