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Allen Read of Colorado Springs wanted me to check and see if he really was $150,000 richer. Allen I'm sorry to say... you're not! |
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Posted by: Jeremy Location: RI
I won $355,069. Posted by: Aimee Location: Rhode Island I also received this scam on 3/15. I can't believe with the amount of people receiving this crap that the authorities haven't attempted to warn people through the media. Makes you wonder! Posted by: TIM Location: HIXSON TN. SORRY FOR THE ONES WHO GOT SCAMED I WAS SUPISIOUS WHEN I KNEW I DIDNT ENTER FOR A CONTEST SO I STARTED CHECKING INTO IT ON ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND HOW PEOPLE WAS GETTING DONE BUT YOUR RIGHT THE CHECKS LOOK SO REAL ONLY THING IS MY PAPER SAID I WON ON 3/8/10 BUT THE DUMMYS DATED THE CHECK FOR 3/8/09 WHAT IDIOTS THE PERSON I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT WAS DOREEN BECKFORD I COULDN'T WAIT TO HEAR FROM HER TO GIVE HER AGOOD ___ CHEWING THAT I WAS ONE THEY WASN'T GOING TO GET Posted by: Kelly Location: Illinois Just received a check for $4,550 allegedly from winning an "annual sweepstake lottery draw." The letter is is titled "FINAL NOTICE" in red, and is purportedly from ING Direct in Toronto. The check (like so many others)is from Cracker Barrel and drawn on Wachovia Bank in Savannah, Ga. It requires returning $3,450.00 for a government service tax (GST)It is obviously a scam, though the check looks legitimate. It appears the scammers have worn out the Reader's Digest name and are now just being vague about exactly what sweepstakes you've won. I will turn it over to the Attorney General's Office. Thanks for getting the information out there. Posted by: Kyle Location: Texas I got the same thing and worst part is that the letter and the check smell of this awful cologne that seriously makes me wanna gag. Posted by: Karen Location: Eugene, Oregon My 92 year old mother in law just let us know she sent $2000 to pay the taxes for a Reader's Digest sweepstake win and figured out it was a scam that it ws too late. I feel so bad for her, she feels like a dummy an dher daughter is so mad she won't talk to her. I hope they get these people and put them to work fixing the elderly's lawns or something. Posted by: Kathy Location: Mundelein IL I just received my check from Reader's Digest for $3,380.80! The check is from Cracker Barrel in Lebanon Tenn, the bank is Savannah, Georgia, and the prize award (Michelle Keefer is in Seattle Washington. Mmmmmmmm. It says to contact Tony Williams at the prize distribution to activate the check. The number to contact him is 1-778-865-6544. Funny there is no message, but it says the box is full. So who is Tony Williams and Michelle Keefeer? No website is listed to contact. Posted by: Debra Klear Location: Miller City Ohio I too have recieved a letter in the mail stating I won ($130,000.00 US) from a Reader's Digest sweepstake drawing held on January 28, 2009 with a bonus check enclosed of $3380.80. Confirm the winnings with Michelle Keefer with claim code L29K-JN10 and to call 1-866-690-8929 for verification ASAP. Letter from Seattle, WA, Check from Lebanon, Tennessee process through Wachovia Bank in Savannah and the envelope postmark from Canada. First time I have seen a check that looks so real. I called the number and spoke with a Wesley Mitchell who said everything was fine and to expect Fed Ex to come with the $130,000.00. Didn't ask for any additional money or banking information as I though he would. JUST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!!!!!! Knew it was a scam. Thank you for all the posting information as I contacted the BBB and sheriff department. Posted by: Mercedes Location: Virginia I recieved a letter in the mail stating that I won 125k I was very ecstatic but I knew it couldn't be true I am only 16 I don't even turn 17 until april..so I got on a confrence call with my dad and my so called "agent". His name was Adams Winslow but he had a very STRONG accent. Another thing that threw me off is he was rushing my dad to send him and insurance fee through western union. I did my research but still decided to deposit the check I HOPE this clears so I can atleast take that money and go I really needed that to. I hope they catch whoever these people are. Posted by: John Location: Pembroke Pines I recieved a letter and a check in the mail for $3,380.80 the letter was from reader's digest stating that I was one of 3 random selected finalist and as the grand prize winner I will recieve $130,000.00 also there was a contact number to call 1-866-690-8929. I called and a male answered and I say, I am sorry, where did I just called? He asked if I had received a letter. I said yes and he asked me for my name. I refused to provide my name. I told him that I would call back. Following my conversation with him, I google the telephone number and found out that other people had received similar letter and discovered it was a Scam. Thank you for posting information abouth this scam. Posted by: sarah allen Location: buena vista georgia wow! how familiar i just got a letter and i check in the mail. but let me start here im a new mom and me and my husband are young and struggling, we live pay to pay check, we got this letter in the mail same thing it was from canada a check enclosed for 3,789 $$ its a real check though, but im suppose to go put it in my bank acount and to call him back. to claim my $$ 125,000 yeh right haha, so i have been researching this and found this site i just want to post something for others, i was told i have to report this to the police so as soon as i can im taking the letter and check to the cops this is awful. and i deffinantly will be calling this number back and giving him a peice of my mind. but thanks get the word out Posted by: Sally Location: Pensacola, Fl Just received a check from "Reader's Digest" for 3,789.00. Told to call Dennis Moore at 1-647-864-5216 to receive another 2,981.10 from WESTERN UNION. Knew it was a fake, but wanted to let other people be aware of this. Thanks for your website informing others. Posted by: Shazzy Location: Austin, Texas Just received my check in the mail today! Supposed to call 1-866-690-9125 and speak with Michelle Keefer. Check amount: $3,380.80. Letter from Seattle, WA. Check from Lebanon, Tennessee processed through Wachovia Bank in Savannah. This letter has been corrected and has been turned over to the FBI for processing. Posted by: Geralyn Location: San Jose, CA My parent's received a similar letter and the culprits have taken your comments to heart because they have now corrected the letter to include the apostrophe in Reader's. My advice to anyone considering cashing this fake check. If you did not enter a lotto sweepstake's then it is definitely not real. Don't fall for these predators scams. Posted by: Tanya Location: Green River Wy. I just recieved a check in the mail from reader's digest for 4975.50 says i won 130,000 and that i need to call Linda Nickolson at 1-778-316-3542 the check is from Aig insurance company out of Amirillo Tx the bank is Melon Bank out of Newark Delaware I called dear Linda to claim my prize and she told me that she was in a meeting to call back in 15 minutes called back same number and got anouther girl that claimed linda stepped out of the office for 20 minutes called back in 20 minutes got voice mail box with no company name that was full so I went to the internet to check this out and found you guys glad I didnt fall for this,I really could of used the money to. Thanks for putting this web site up. Tanya Green river wy. Posted by: Joe Location: Arizona Wow! I read all the comments people have wrote. I too was awarded $130,000.00 and sent a check for $3380.80 for the shipping fees. I also had Michelle Keefer and a Paul Thompson whom I spoke with. I thought of cashing the check because like everyone else I could really use the money. But once again as my luck has it, no gonna happen. Just another scam. I would think that some enforcement group, say maybe the FBI would get this scam stopped with a few arrests but I found this out also, they don't care either. No wonder these scams keep happening. Posted by: jackie Location: michigan my contact person is michelle keefer too,atually i am waiting for a phone call from her right now!!!!glad i found this site!!! Posted by: Lynn Location: texas Wen in Hawaii - How could YOU be the winner? MY Claim Code is L29K-JN10!!! Michelle Keefer, Prize Award Administrator, can't wait till the Attorney General gets you! WATCH OUT FOR FRAUD!!! The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary! Posted by: wen Location: hawaii I just got one from Reader's Digest in Seattle WA for $3380. They say I've won $130,000. The contact person is Michelle Keefer and my entry claim code is L29K-JN10. Same story otherwise... Posted by: Devin Location: Mebane NC My mother recieved a letter and a check in the mail for $3,380.80 from cracker barrel but the letter was frm readers digest stating that she was one of 3 random selected finalist and as the grand prize winner you will recieve $130,000.00 also it gave us a phone # to call 1-866-690-8929..Then when we called a guy answered and told use he would call back in 10 minutes he did and told use to use that check to get insurance on the 130,000.00 thats coming ups on tuesday at 4:30pm my father took the check by wachovia because thats the bank from the check and wachovia says it was a valid check but they where scared on how we recieved it so did not cash it? Posted by: Lori Location: Illinois Julie from Gulf Breeze, it seems that my susana Moore has changed her name to Susana Gomez! This is the same set of numbers: w-75w-r09 that I received, see my post below. Thanks for additional info, I am trying to prosecute her! Posted by: Julie Location: Gulf Breeze, FL Same story...check was enclosed but was from Allstate Life Insurance for 3,793.00, call Customer Care Rep Susana Gomez and give entry code claim number w75w-R09 at the number 604-339-7068 (which is in Vancouver)to claim the rest of the 130,000.00US prize). Knew it was a fake when I read this statement: "Please be advised all recipient information is confidential and collecting any personal or BANK information are prohibited by our policy" (yeah, like I would give them my bank information) but the check looks very real. None of it made any sense. The outside envelope had nothing on it but the postmark and stamp. BE SUSPICIOUS AND CHECK THINGS OUT PEOPLE. Posted by: Glenn Location: Texas We received a check for $2900 last week 02/2010 from what appeared a Reader's Digest winnings for $150,000 and the check was for Western Union fees to be paid back to them. We contacted the Attorney General's Office to verify and they informed us that this was a scam and not to call them back. The $2900 check was a bad check that was confirmed at the bank as bad. If you get one of these do what we are doing and first check with the consumer fraud at you Attorney General's office and file a complaint. Posted by: Robin Location: NC Got the letter today with check with Canada stamp. Bad printing - cheap ink, not professional at all but I like a good laugh so went to internet and put Thomas D. Willims, VP Global Operations in. Well they fixed the ' in Reader's Digest. This check was from CLP, Associates, Brooklyn NY 11710. in the amount of $2933.00. Oh I sure hope some person down on their luck does not go for this. Such a shame that people go so low to take what is not theirs from hurting people. Posted by: rod Location: atlanta ga Recieved letter and check today for 2,933usd.my red flag was the photo of"thomas d williams"but the signature appeared to read as "Carl a. a----"couldnt make out the last name .times are hard enough and as bad as i need money,i would never stoop to the level some people go to to get it...thanks but no thanks!God bless Posted by: rod Location: monroe ga recieved check and letter today.check is 2,933usd. Posted by: Lori Location: Illinois Well, hard to believe, now her phone # just rings and goes to a full voicemailbox so you cant talk to her or leave a msg. We need to stop these people, any ideas? See msg below for details... Posted by: Bob Location: Deltona, Florida Drawing held on Dec 28,2009. You won 130,000.00 dollars and here is your check for 3,980.60. The check is from AIG Annuity Insurance Company out of Amerillo, Texas and i am to call Lynn Nguyen at 1-778-323-0555 for processing and claim information.... I put my check in the shredder Please be carefull everyone. nothing is for free Posted by: william Location: vidor texas about the same thing ,letter said i won 130,000.00 ,and they sent me a check for 3,800.00 saying not to tell anyone at the bank about winning ,just deposit the check and call them when i have done this.the 3800 check was fake from allstate insurance company the woman at the so called readers digest said that no shit its real you won ,those were her exact words .its not real i talked to the real readers digest,i drove 25 miles in heavey traffic and rain ,what if i would have got in a wreck and killed me or someone else ,there are some sick ass people out there . if yall would like to call them ,the no. i have are 1-778-316-5007,and 1-518-620-4048.yall have fun with it ,from vidor texas ,this is william Posted by: cathy Location: eastlake ohio Always google...knew it was a scam same m/o but my name was spelled wrong as it is on my phone and cable bill...gotta love it. Posted by: Lori Location: Illinois I got the same check that Michelle in PA got. I dont yet understand what the scam is because they didnt ask for additional money to pay for taxes, insurance etc... These scumbags need to get a life. Calling bbb and the local police. They deserve prison time for these scams! Posted by: Margaret Stephens Location: Texas That is the same exact letter that I recieved yesterday. My husband and I were skeptical so when we took it to the bank they put a hold on it for 11 days. I am so glad that you posted this. Now I can call the bank in the morning and let them know. Thanks for the information again. Posted by: Lori OCull Location: Illinois I received a letter from Canada stating that I won the sweepstakes drawing from Dec. 28th and I will receive 130,000 and a check they enclosed for 3971.00 upfront. I had to call this # 17783165007 to talk to Susana Moore at the prize distribution dept for addl info. My entry claim code was W75W-R09. They didnt want any personal or banking info, just to call them back in 3-4 days after depositing the check for the 3971. That cost me $1500 from my acct, as we deposited the check but it came back. The letter states there call center hrs are m-f 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. eastern time. The phone # at top of letter is 518-620-4048 out of Pleasantville, NY from Reader's Digest and it is signed Jennifer Andersen prize award administrator. Now I am out $1500. This is postmarked Jan 27 10. Let me know if there are others, thank you, Lori OCull Posted by: lily Location: houston texas I got a similar letter, check was from Citibank for $2,141.18 told me to call a Terrence Brown at 778-316-1770, never entered a Reader's Digest drawing glad I looked it up on the net before depositing or calling Posted by: Christel Location: North Carolina I too have recieve this very legit looking check today. It also said "ALLSTATE " & " BANK OF AMERICA" Stating that I have won $250,000 but I have to send via WU $4789.50. I took the check to cash it , That is when I found out it was a scam. Hope this helps someone to find their way away from this scam. THESE CROOKS NEED TO BE CAUGHT. As this economy is now, this is a very awful t Posted by: Michelle Location: PA Hello All, I just received this scam today, and I almost believed it. Very legit looking check, and mine had an Allstate logo on it, Bank of America information, and a contact person named Susana Moore, with a phone number. The check was/is for $3,985.50. It appears to have possibley come from Canada because there was a stamp from Canada on the envelope? Feeling excited, and sceptical, I went to my local bank, and inquired about it there. We called Bank of America, and Allstate about it. Allstate is aware of the scam, and knew almost immediately about it. They asked if the check number began with 00077XXXXXX, and it did! Such a terrible thing to do to unsuspecting people. I hope this information helps someone out. Thank you all for your comments, they really helped me. I hope someone catches these theives! Posted by: Kaysen Location: Orlando, FL I received a call from "Reader's Digest" that said we needed to pay $300 for IRS fees with a cashiers check to receive the $850,000 we won from being a loyal customer to Reader's Digest. I reported this to the local Sheriff and filed a report. The people were definitely from some island and barely spoke English but there names were "Dave Brown and Paul Turner" I think that they found those in a phone book and thought that we would fall for those very made up names. Please if you receive any calls asking for money to get money don't accept it. I have a feeling that they will just set up another scam with a new name from the phone book and start all over. :( Good thing is they wont be calling me anymore, Posted by: Tim Location: Madison, WI I also got a letter saying I won $355,069 with an enclosed check of $3,427 from Citibank. It also says I am required to contact Paul Newman or Lynn Wong at 912-480-0353 to activate my claim before I deposit the check. The check looks real and it almost had me going. But I know that if it is too good to be true, it probably is. Also sent from Canada with a Houston address on the letter. Posted by: Johanne Location: Tacoma,WA My father got a call from a private number and said he just won some money- he gave the man his address and everything and the an on the phone said he would be out to pay this week. My father is in his late 80's- Now we are worried for his saftey at his own home. Posted by: Missy got same letter, canada stamp was told to call a Paul Newman...get real wanted me to deposit $3,250 (not cash) then he would call back after I deposited to confirm....Confirm This...This needs to be reported to Readers Digest Posted by: Linda Location: Southern CA Unbelievable. My letter is dated Jan 14, 2010. I won $132,000. Woo Hoo! So sad that people can get away with this...and even worse that people even think up such scams. Damn it, I thought my luck was finally changing. Posted by: lori Location: San Diego I got a similar letter, check was from Citibank for $2,141.18 told me to call a Terrence Brown at 778-316-1770, never entered a Reader's Digest drawing glad I looked it up on the net before depositing or calling Posted by: Cindy Location: San Pierre Indiana I got the same letter today in the mail....so glad I looked this up on the net. Posted by: SHANDA Location: JACKSON, TN got a check for 3750.00, said to call Brent Lawson and pay him process fees, here is Brents number 778-858-2612. Letter said I won 97,000.00 from Reader's digest drawing which I never entered. Posted by: Pedro Ruiz Location: Dallas The check looks real but you know if you never even signed up for a sweeps and the return adress was missing on the letter and then i googles it.sure you could cash it then you become the criminal because the bank will kick your butt in for taking their money when the check gets returned watch out it is that Murphy Don guy watch it with this scam. Posted by: Rachel Location: Bowling Green OH I received one from VP Thomas D Williams telling me that I won a $125,000 lotto and also sent me a check for $3723 to be used for fees. I googled it, and the address is a hotel in NY, the bank is real, and the signature is photocopied. Also, my agent is evidently Mr. Murphy Don, which is a tad bit odd. This totally sucks because I'm a college student who really needs this kind of money. I opened it and got really excited, until my boyfriend decided to google the lotto. It's wrong what these people are doing to innocent victims. Posted by: Pam Location: College Corner Ohio I received a check in the mail today for 3723.00 from Readers Digest Lotto. The letter was a photo copy. The stamp was from Canada and the address on the letter was New York. I was also told I would need to submit 2989.10 through Western Union. This is horrible to do this to people. I feel bad for the elderly who would actually do this. Posted by: Lissa Location: Dallas Texas got a check for 3750.00, said to call Brent Lawson and pay him process fees, here is Brents number 778-858-2612. Letter said I won 97,000.00 from Reader's digest drawing which I never entered. Posted by: Nicky Location: New york Received a check for $3,723.00 from reader's digest lotto. Agent Mr. Murphy Don 647.994.3068 told to pay $2,989.10 Glad I researched it first. Got my hopes up especially since I needed the money. All please be careful this really hurts. It's a horrible thing to try and trick innocent people like this. Check from HSBC Bank in Melville, NY 11747 address on check is from AHRC NASSAU which is Association for the help of retarded children. SO I guess they think we are retarded... Posted by: Mark Location: Houston, TX Received a letter & check in the amount of $3,410.90 from these people. The letter further stated that I had won $255,069.00. The letter instructed me to contact Peter Hingo or Megan Hayes at 604-518-0653 before depositing the check that came with the letter, stating that "this is important". The letter was signed by Jon Bencher of the "Prize Department", and there was a color photo of someone, presumably NOT Jon Bencher, next to the signature. The address on their letterhead is a Houston address, but the Zip Code shown was 33412. I live in Houston, and this is not a Houston Zip Code, it is a W Palm Beach, FL Zip Code. The area code of 604 is for the Vancouver, British Columbia area. I have reported this to the Houston Police Department and turned over all of the documents I have received, and they are involving the US Postal Inspector. In due time, these idiots will be caught and prosecuted. Posted by: Stella Location: Ashland, Oregon Got Phone call telling me I won $250,000 and a Toyota Camry in the Reader's Digest sweepstakes to be delivered tomorrow morning. All they needed was my credit card number or checking account number to deposit $50,000 now to pay taxes ($22,000) before the rest would be hand delivered. I said I had to discuss this with my husband. He gave me 1-876-409-5483 to call back. I checked the area code - Jamaca. Called back and asked more questions, such as why not send the whole thing, let's use another means of deposit, etc. After playing around with them, I got disconnected. They sure sounded genuine. Don't get taken they are using the phones now. Posted by: Tina Location: Chicago, IL I rec'd a similar letter. Printed on very real looking watermarked letter head along with a real looking check from Bristol West Insurance Group. The letter head shows a Houston, TX address, but the phone # is a Vancouver CANADA area code as well as a canada stamp. My "agents" name was also John Belcher. When I googled his name, I found this website. Ph#778-315-3542 came up with nothing. I will be posting a compaint against that # when I am done here. Thanks for everyones input - hope nobody falls for this scam. Posted by: yvonne Location: leroy ny GOT MY LETTER.CALLED THE # FOR THE HECK OF IT. GUYS ACCENT SO BAD COULD NOT EVEN UNDERSTAND HIM. TOLD HIM I WANT THE PUBLIC TO KNOW I WON 355,069.00 AND SOMEHOW WE GOT DISCONNECTED. THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP, CAUSE I GOOGLED FIRST Posted by: Jason Location: Murphy, TX My wife just received the same scam. The letter head has the same Houston address as mentioned before and the Tel/Fax # is http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-778-858-7720. I googled this # and found it to be connected to several scams. Our letter states a prize of $335,069.00 and came with a fake check for $3650.20 and has a picture of a guy associated with the name Jon Bencher, Prize Disbursement. 1st of all, this guy looks like a crook and other red flags for me were the mispelled words. You'd think these crooks would use spell check. I guess the rule stands, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is... Posted by: Honi G Location: Desoto, Texas I knew it, I just knew it was too good to be true. I just made the call to a Tel.fax # listed in the heading of the letter from New York and was told to deposit check of $3,723.00 immedicately and call them back. Got a little excited and decided to check website....and found this one. $125,000.00 would have made this an awesome Christmas...I saw RETIREMENT in all capitol letters. Fayette McMullins signed my check. The photocopied letter was sent by Thomas D. Williams, VP, Global Operations...with his picture....good one. My contact agent was, Murphy Will@1(416-830-1475), he never answered the phone. What was the worse that could have happened? How was the scam SUPPOSE to work? Posted by: Mike Location: PHX, AZ I got one of these checks today for $3,723 and it was written from Safeco Insuarnce. I thought it was a pay off for a recent accident but when I read the letter I could see it had to be some sort of scam. My first clue was a lot of the words were mispelled. Some of the prize information was off as well (The total amount is $2,9899.10) I searched the web and found your site thanks for the heads up. I sent it on to all my friends. Posted by: Pam Location: Dallas, Texas I received a letter and check today; although the letter was a photocopy and not believable the check for $3,723.00 was very convincing. The check was drawn on Bank of America so I took it there for verification. The only problem with the check was that the account number and the account name did not match; so it could not be cashed. The idiots at Bank of America suggested that I call the number on the letter to get another check. Needless to say I won't be making the call and I won't be doing business with Bank of America (dumbasses). Posted by: leon Location: mich I just got one today,and being of color and the lowest of income and the bank trying to foreclose on my house I take as as a full disrespect to the american people.I feel as though the goverment should have never allowed any to defraud the american people to happen.I really, really, really,needed that money my girlfriend is pegnent, I feel like crying Posted by: Mary Location: Cincinnati I too got the same letter. They sent me a check for $3723.00 just like Michelle from New Jersey. But, the amount I'm suppose to pay is "$2,9899.10" What number is that???? And it's a photocopy??? SCAM!!!! Posted by: Marilyn Location: Orlando, FL I believe, Joclem Navarro from Chicago, IL and I got the exact same letter. This letter had all the signs of being a "SCAM". I also searched the web on this and was not surprised. This was just too good to be true. And for sure, the check does look legit. My so-called agent never picked up the phone. Instead, I got his cell phone voice mail with an automated recording from his cell phone company. No return address, Canada stamp. Wow, this is so unreal, yet, for real. I'm going to copy and email it to all my friends and family members. I've just experienced my first scam. Happy to say it was UNSUCCESSFUL and UNBELIVABLE! Posted by: Michelle Location: Monmouth County, New Jersey Ruth in San Angelo, Texas, I just wanted to let you know that I received the exact same letter as you. I have a check here for $3,723.00 which I am supposed to cash after I deposit $2,989.10 thru Western Union. I supposedly won $125,000.00 and my agent's name is Miss Grace Thomas at 1-647-219-4427. Posted by: Erin Location: moffat.erin@gmail.com My boss got one in the mail today. This is the only thing I have found online regarding the scam. It says he won 1,000,000 and the check is for $5,845. It looks very real. Thank you for clearing this up! Posted by: Chris Location: Greensboro,NC I just received the letter from Reader's Digest & a check for over 3400 yesterday.It all seemed very odd to me because I dont read reader's digest nor have I ever signed up for anything affiliated with them. I called the number that they said to call to speak with my agent Paul Newman, no one answered. A man claiming to be Mr. Newman, and had a foreign accent,called me back from a private number. I immediately started asking questions about how they got my information to mail me anything when I didnt fill out anything. He couldnt answer my questions and rushed me off the phone saying he'll call me back, I know he wont. The number I called was a CA number but they letterhead says the address is in Houston,TX and it was mailed from Canada as well. They are pretty clever with this scam. I just want to know how did they get my information. Posted by: Carol Location: Texas I too received a letter and check for 3,655 to cover fees. Unfortunately I did deposit check but haven't done anything else. I wished I would have checked this site first. I plan on calling my bank shortly so I can find out what my next plan of action may be. wish me luck. Posted by: Jim Location: Ohio I also received a letterb dated nov. 18,09 informing me that I had won one million dollars in a pepsi, Reader's Digest drawing. I also received a checkfor 4691.45 from Amuet Market 1785 Woodland Ave, Columbus Ohio drawn on Hudson United bank in Baptistown NJ 08803. I called the 877 number and talked to Olivia Bradshaw. She confirmed that I had won one million dollars and that the check was to pay for fees with Brinks security so that they would handle the transfer the money. She was supposed to call me back with the Brinks office I was to contact and she never called. I called her back and was told she was not available and I left a message. this sure looked real, but to good to be true. I think I scared her off when I told her I would have my attorney check it out. My letter was also mailed from canada.I will be turning my letter over to the authorities so these people can be put out of business. Posted by: Sarah Location: Pennsylvania I got a very similar letter, from "Reader's Digest" offering me 65,000 when i returned the 3,048.02 they gave me for the same reason. lucky i'm smart enough to do my research. Posted by: Cecelia Location: Port St. Lucie, Florida I recently received a Reader's Digest/Pepsi $1,000,000 Contest leter by US Mail stating I had won the $1,000,000 prize. A check for $4,691.45 drawn on a Hudson United Bank in Baptistown, NJ 08803, which does exist, also told not to cash it but to call the 800 # first and submit the Prize Claim #. I made the call, reached Audrina Patridge who told me I was the winner. "She said aren't you excited to be the winner?" I told her that I was not excited because I didn't believe her. The letter stated that the check was certified , and it was not a certified check. The check was from an Amuet Market 1785 Wlldland Ave, Columbus, OH 43219, but when I Googled it, Amulet Market was listed on the 1785 Woodland Ave.. I told her I still did not believe her, and she insisted they would come with balloons and with the $!,000,000 winning check. Then we all would go to my bank and cash it and they would take money from it for the IRS. She assured they would be at my home the next day. No so-Fraud Posted by: Wayne Location: Gypsum CO My wife just got a letter claiming that she had won over $250,000 and got a check for just over $3800 to pay the processing fees and after a few searches of the names on the letter I found this site thanks for all the good work hope fully no one else will get burnt Posted by: Shavanta Location: Enid,ok I got a letter in the mail yesterday that said i had won 25,000 and along with the letter was a check for 3,973.00 and i was supposed to use the check to cover insurance and processing fees i did go to a bank and deposit the check into the account and found this site after researching but it was too late what do i do? Posted by: ben b Location: Wisconsin I received a letter by RD stating I won 255k from sweepstakes, enclosed was a $3500 check to pay for any fees. Before I opened it, i noticed the envelope was different...no address on corner and a canadian stamp. I called mark covilia, as stated in paper to call to claim money. Which I did in Thanksgiving Day! (when answered, red flag went up cuz its Thanxgiving Day! WHO WORKS that day?) He told me to deposit the check in my bank then give him a call back. Lukily it was thanksgiving day or else I would have cashed it, but I googled everything on letter. the address on it was houston texas with a zip code from Florida. Right away after that, i knew it was a scam. I then googled their names, and everything else and it all came up as Readers Digest Fraud. if anyone receives something similiar, wrip it up and throw it away! FBI really needs to do something about this crap its rediculous and most people think this is real when its not. Be careful ~Ben B from Lacrosse, WI Posted by: Diana Location: Vermont Got my check today, identical stories of everyone else. I knew something was wrong just by looking at the envelope. Unfortunately there are too many people who would fall for this. I am sending my letter to the States Attorneys Office. We need to get the word out there before someone loses everything because they were too trusting. Posted by: Bebe Location: Albuquerque NM A new wrinkle they can capture a caller ID when you call so they appear to know who you are when you are calling in. Don't fall for it - IF the check was cashable you would just be laundering money for them. Posted by: Ruth Location: San Angelo Tx 76903 I just received a similar letter from Reader,s Digest dated nov,12 2009 and i also received a check for 3,723.00 but i am to send tham 2,989.10 for insurannce through western union but i am to call Sheeba Long at 1-705-770-2359 I could not get through to miss long her voicemail was full so i called a number at the top of this leter which was 1-647-864-5105 a man answered the phone and told me i had won 125,000.00 and was to deposit the check and call him back after ideposited the check i did not do so as of yet but am going to take it to our better business burea to geet this reported i am so glad i decided to check on the internet to check this out as bad as out economy is these scam artist are at full force. Thank God i checked Posted by: Blake Location: Virginia Carlo I got the same one as you. Check for 3665.32 and I WON 255,069.00 but no i didnt :) I'm all for the invasion... Posted by: Carlo Location: Los Angeles This is a good one! The check has the Prudential logo on it and looks legit. Says I won $255,069.00 and the check is for $3655.32. After laughing, I thought I'd look into this scam. Mind you, this is the best one I've seen. So i looked around and found this site. What do you say we just invade Canada (nobody lives there anyway), find these jackals and string em up good old fashioned like...the way Bush 42 would. Shoot first, ask q's later...some things that guy had right (most things wrong). Anyway, anyone know how we can take these fools 6ft down for wasting 5 minutes of my life? Posted by: A J Walters Location: Frederick , Maryland I received a letter that said I had won 1.5 000,000 dollars. They gave me two phone numbers to call in Tucson, Arizona. The letter was sent from Canada. I tryed the numbers but no one was available. I refused to leave a callback number.They did not know my full name and addressed the letter to A Walters. Posted by: scott wilson Location: magalia, ca I received a letter and check for $3,723.00 Said when check cleared to call and $125k would be sent to me. The check did not clear. the paperwork looked real but the senders address had no return address or info on who the check was from. Posted by: Randy Location: Tucson, az Just got the big check, $3723.00 I never win anything so it has to be fake. these people are terrorist and need to be shot. I am taking to the post office and I am going to post it on you tube. reference number is HDL 545/8/09. hdl is blood count. If you deposit the check, the terrorist want you to send them that amount back to cover all taxes and expenses. I guarantee the the taxes are higher than $3,723.00 on a $125000.00 winning. shoot em up. Posted by: Russ Location: Riverside On November 18, 2009, I received an authentic looking check made out to me for $3,723 "as part of my winnings to help cover any insurance and processing charges." Ha! It goes on to say that I have been approved "for a lump sum settlement of $125,000 in cash credited to a file reference number HDL,545/8/09." What finally convinced me it was a scam was in the instructions: "Contact your agent: Miss Sheeba Long 1-705-770-2359 to activate your claim before you deposit the check at your bank, this is very important." The "this is very important" told me everything--have you ever received a check where you have to call FIRST to cash it? Reminds me of Frank William Abagnale, Jr in the movie "Catch Me IfYou Can." Here's what I plan to do: Mail back the check and letter with a little note saying, "I am returning this check for $3,723. In the letter you sent it says I won $125,000. Please send THAT amount in unmarked $20 bills. Do that in 10 days and I won't tell anyone. Thank you. Posted by: Cheri Location: Atlanta, GA I just received my check for 3723 from Reader's Digest signed by Thomas D Williams, VP, gosh the nerve. This is to help cover the insurance and processing charges. 125,000.00 in cash has been credited to my winning number. The envelope is postmarked Canada, the check is from Amarillo National Bank in TX, Hastings Entertainment in TX issued the check. I am being adviced to keep this information very confidential and that I should call Tara Green,"My Agent" to activate my claim. My thing is this if I have won something why should I have to call someone to activate my winnings.....dahhh. Anyway I googled the Bank and Hastings Entertainment and found out they exsist but no connections with Reader's Digest. Then I google the so called VP Thomas D. Williams and I landed here...How do these people sleep at night. Posted by: Kathy Location: Harrisville, PA Just received my check for $5,845.00, for fees for my 1,000,000. check (not) firt clue was Canadian post mark, second was Keep Highly confidential, the best was the check was drawn on Welch Funeral Home in Jefferson PA with a facsimile stamp!! Even Better is the fact that the Andrew Persen that "signed" the letter hasw the same handwriting as Carolyn Madden that "signed" the check. I'm taking it to the post office and show them, maybe they can do something to stop these people. Posted by: Jerry Location: Montana I was so excited to finally win something. We got the same letter from Reader's Digest stating that we won $125,000. Unmarked envelope from Canada. Thomas D. Williams, vice president for Global operations. What tipped me off that this might be a "scam" is that my contact agent was Miss Sheeba Long...Ha, Ha. She belong?Anyway, I Googled some of the information and luckily I found this site. I hate these type of people. Tell all of your friends. Posted by: Anonymous I received my letter today. I have heard so much about scammers that when I opened I said no way is this real. The first thing I did was start googling information. I found a website that said the routing number on the check was legitimate but I was still doubtful so I kept searching. I didn't find anything until I googled Readers Digest. I'm glad I found this sight. My check is also for $3723.00 and signed by Thomas A. Williams. It came out of Canada but the bank is in New York. I contacted them so they would no the information also. My check also has a company name on it, WE Transport. I like to see people punished for misguiding others so I will be turning mine over to the authorities so scammers can be put out of business. I bet there are people that have full time jobs trying to put these people out of business. Posted by: harrison Location: locust valley, ny My wife received the same letter dated 11/5/09 with a check dated 11/6/09 for $3,723.00. The Reader's Digest logo was on the letter, but the letter was full of grammatical errors. The letter was signed by Thomas A. Williams, VP Global Operations. I called my "agent,"listed in the letter, "Mr Murphy Don" (perhaps a clue the scammers are Asian), and his accent was so thick I could barely understand him. The letter instructed us to "keep this award confidential...part of our security protocol etc etc". I think they should also have told us "do not google readers digest scam" because if you do, you will learn that this is a ridiculous hoax. And of course, they target older folks who respect the Reader's Digest name. Wouldn't it be nice if we could still put scammers like this in stocks in public for a few days? Posted by: Susan Location: Ojai, CA Gee, was fun to dream for a few SECONDS--got the same letter today--grammar is poor in the letter, but they fixed the Reader's Digest spelling and used the logo too. Telephone # to call is a disconnected number, I did try to call it. This check has 2 addresses First Union National Bank of Maryland 14 St. Mary's Sq, Lexington Pk, MD 20653 and Cadillac USA, 8505 Euclid Ave #L, Nanassas, VA 20111 for $5,273.05 dated 11-9-09 signed by Carolyn Madden--My letter is signed by Andrew Persen, says to call Mrs. Amy Cooke. Has a Canadian bulk rate stamp without a postmark. I do believe that Pepsi uses PepsiCo as one word, they'll probably get wise to that and fix that error also. Seems like someone could do something about this type of fraud. Posted by: Darlene Location: Ojai, Ca Got the same letter today, no information of envelope......From Maryland and Virginia...obvious scam..wonderif there isa age range..I am over sixty, but not brain dead yet. Posted by: Joclem Navarro Location: Chicago, IL I received a letter from Reader's Digest signed by Thomas D Williams, Vice-President for Global Operations informing me that I won a lump sum of $125,000 as a result of March 29, 2009 Reader's Digest Lotto. Also enclosed is a check in the amount of $3,723.00 which is part of my winning as alleged by Mr. Murphy Will whom I called and talked to being my Agent as mentioned in the letter that will be used by me to cover the insurance and processing charges. The instruction for the check is to deposit it after contacting my agent. But, it is very sad to note that after I made a photocopy (xerox) copy of the check, it appears on the face of the xerox copy of the check, six words, VOID. My situation or scenario is very similar to the comments posted by various people coming different places. Please watch and be vigilant. Posted by: Terry Location: Lafayettre, IN I received the check and it is from a bank out of New Castle, DE. Posted by: Ruth Location: California I got one too but I didn't check the internet until it was too late, we don't know what to do and our situation is desperate. The crooks are now spelling Reader's Digest correctly, I wish I could submit my letter to show as an example to help others. The names on my letter are as follows, Jon Bencher, Peter Hingo and Megan Haye. Any One getting these letters PLEASE BE ON THE WATCH! Posted by: Kathleen Location: Phoenix, AZ It is in Arizona. Just got it and went to the Reader's Digest website and it states "Winners receive an official notification letter in the mail from Ronald J. Leslie, Sweepstakes Director. " Yea, I got alittle excited at first...but if it seems to good to be true.... I Googled !! Thanks KKTV, thank you Google Posted by: kathie Well, I got one too. postmarked Canada,& "sponsored by Readers digest/Pepsi. Check for $5,600/w a promise of $1,000,000. Can't read signature on the check, but I checked out the bank (Silicon Valley Bank), which does exist, but not at the address listed on check. Letter signed by Mr. Robert Randolph, can't read signature on check, but it sure isn't Mr Randolph. My first clue (aside from the improbabity of little old me winning $1 million), was the ordinary stamp from Canada, as opposed to metered mail. Business name on check is Caramedic Systems, St Petersburg, FL. Shame on these guys. My elderly mother might have fallen for it. hmmm they got the Reader's Digest part right in my letter. The final line goes: You are obligated by U.S. Federal Law to keep the Prize Claim number and prize information highly confidential" for your safety and security. Whooooo. Letter signed by Mark Texiera, Executive Director of Marketing. Best scam I've ever encountered. kh Posted by: Gary Location: Oregon My wife received her "Big Check" of $5,833 with a letter informing her that she had won a million dollars from Pepsi/Reader's Digest. Besides the two different addresses on the check, and the Canadian stamp - I was very amused to see that the check and letter were signed by two different people - yet had the same handwriting! Good grief people - get a life! Posted by: Lisa Location: California October 21, 09 Just got my big check for 5,833.00 and an official looking letter colaborating with Pepsi Co. I called Pepsi and they are aware of this letter but deny any wrong doing. I called our local news station, left a message, giving them a brief overview, but they never called back. Glad you all posted and do hope we can prevent others from being scammed big time. Posted by: Laura Location: California I received a check for over $5,000 and was told I had won the Pepsi/Readers Digest contest for $1,000,000. Checked with my bank and was told not to deposit check. Checked with Police Department and was told to take, letter and check to Post Office. This is considered Mail Fraud. I am glad I did not get the $3,500 they wanted me to send to them after I deposited the check. They said the money was for insurance to Brinks to protect my winnings. What a "Scam"! Posted by: Sharon Location: Wisconsin I received a check that looked real also, I knew it was a scam. My husband said the check would not come like that. Also the rep. I was suppose to call was the name of a famous baseball player by the name of Phil Razutto, who passed away in 2007 at the age of 89. I guess they tried to throw me a slidder, but they struck out. I haven't entered any contests lately. There should be something to protect others who would be taken by this, I almost believed this because the check looks so real. everyone bewhere please. Thank you for this site for letting me voice my opinion. Posted by: Rita Ferrill Location: Kentucky I just received a letter stating I had won $65,000 with a check for $3,046.75. When I called this man (wasn't american) said for me to hurry up and deposit it and call him back for the next instruction. He said this check was to pay for administrative charges and not to tell the back what this check was for. He talk so fast that you could hardly understand him and didn't want to answer any questions. I told him I was going to contact an attorney, he said "Now why would you want to contact an attorney when you just won some money". Scam Posted by: Jane Location: Hobe Sound, FL I received a check for $5136.55 drawn on Sun Trust Bank for a West Florida Pain Management Co for winning $1,000,00 with a Canadian post mark! Oh please--what is wrong with you people, get a real job and stop trying to take advantage of others. Your parents must be so proud! Posted by: mark Location: gilmer , tx My wife received one last week for a little over 3000.00 I knew something was up.Something needs to be done about these people. Posted by: Ken Location: Orange City , FL Just received one yesterday for 3,600 and I bought it ot the police department Posted by: Donna Dusseau Location: Honea Path,SC I received a letter stating i won 650000.00, with a check for 3046.75 to cover all processing fees. All i had to do was call michael phillips Posted by: Dorothy Location: San Diego. CA They are doing it again. This time using a check from a legit company called Primus International, and the bank as US National, Looks good, but I never drink Pepsi.Can't someone cut their water off? Posted by: Big Dog Location: San Jose, CA Same issue as Cee notes below. You have got to be kidding me that Reader's Digest/Pepsi would tell me I won $1M but first need to deposit a check for $5300, but need to first call a number that is suppose to be a "pepsi claims dept". Totally fake! The address on the check is a hotel in Oklahoma and the letter was mailed from Canada. I would love to find out what jokers are trying to scam people out of cash. I hope you a-holes responisble read this as I would love to crack you upside the head. Get a life!!!!! Posted by: Cee Location: Virginia Beach, VA I received a letter and check from Reader's Digest with the correct spelling and logo on the letter head. The check is for $3,056.57 to pay the taxes on my winnings of $65,000. The letter has two addresses one in Tyler, Texas and the other in Canada. The check is drawn on Chase Manhatttan Bank, and Diebold Financial. I did not present the check to the bank. I have reported this to the BBB and Reader's Digest. I see how a person could easily be taken with this scam. Posted by: Lois Location: North Fork, California Received a check for $5,999.00 from Pepsi/Readers Digest saying I had won one million dollars "DO NOT DEPOSIT CHECK UNTIL YOU CALL THIS NUMBER". I googled address of bank, does not exist, address of sender is a unscrupulous looking place. Post mark is from Canada. I also emailed sheriffs dept for advise as how to let others know of this scam,(my elderly father would of fallen for this)and I have yet to hear from our local police. I also checked snoopes with zero info. Happen to find this website. Believe me I am aware of scams but this one really looked legit! The scammers have finally figured out to use spell check, everything was correct. Pepsi or RD is not going to send a check like this unregistered and also its all about them and the publicity they would get for giving out this great prize..thanks for having a site we can share info regarding the scammers! Posted by: Joseph Location: Baton Rough La 70812 I recived a check for around 3150.00 that I was told I won 56.0000 and went to put it in the bank. This has to do with bringing awareness to every body that can use it. Let me know when its time that any body needs help. Or just keep this wesite open for peaple to exspress there stress are what ever they call it. Thanks Take Care Joseph |
