It definitely looks and seems real you open a plain white envelope and see a REAL check for over four thousand dollars. And it just gets better when you read the letter saying that somehow you've won a Government Grant" for thirty eight thousand. It isn't very clear HOW you've been so lucky--something about stores you may have frequented and forms you may have filled out---but there it is all you have to do is call the number and cash the check.
Later, after you've called a few times and weren't even able to leave a message you begin to feel a bit nervous. But finally you get to speak to a "real" human being. Unfortunately he speaks in such a thick accent that it's hard to understand him but don't interrupt him with any questions 'cause he gets angry and senses your lack of gratitude. When you finally get him again on the third try he talks to you like you're a moron as he tells you how to get the rest of your $38,000:
1. After you deposit the check---immediately after, he says----buy a moneygram, use the RED FORM, that actually will be CASH for $2900.
2. send it to a gal in Brooklyn whereupon your grant will be delivered to you in a matter of days.
3.If you fail to get the cash to them you will be prosecuted by the FTC.. He re-emphasizes that you are LIABLE for that money in his best broken English!!!!! and with that threat Eric hangs up.
My guess is that once they hurriedly get their cash the check somehow falters. The elderly and others may be suckered in by what looks authentic and there would be no way to retrieve their cash.
Read Next Complaint >>
Reader Comments:
Posted by hhguerra59 on 09/04/2007
I too received a letter w/a ck in the amt. of $4,340.00, told I had 3 options, accept the ck. deposit to bank
Posted by dwha on 09/04/2007
I actually fell for this scam,,,how stupid am I? anyway is there any recourse for us victims of HOPE?
Posted by kenneth.martin on 09/05/2007
I too received a check for $4,940.30. I called the bank that issued the check and it is a valid check, but IT IS FRAUDULENT. If you do cah it, you will be LIABLE for numerous reasons, including possible jail time and a record on your credit report. Any that you receive a check for that you never applied for or signed up for is FRAUD. I just wish we could stop it.
Posted by paulawst on 09/05/2007
Us hopeful Consumers are Tired of These Scams! Goverment,Secret Service/FBI,Better Buisness Burea, David Horowitz,Consumer Affairs,Class Action Law- Suits/Lawyers,Where are you?WE NEED YOU!Luckily I looked up ATI/AllianceTrustINC.Before I Lost any of
my own Money!IWANTMY$38,000THEYSAYIWON!Paula WEST
Posted by thickgrits on 09/06/2007
I just got one of these checks in the mail yesterday. I knew it must have been a fake so I did a little research and found this site. Good looking out!!! Now I can get rid of it!!!
Posted by joycemw on 09/06/2007
I too received one of these cheques with a letter and suspected something fishy as it had a Canadian stamp on it - so was glad to see your info to confirm my suspisions - needless to say it went to file #13
Posted by Ithakiss on 09/07/2007
Wow a check for $4,720.30! Enough to get my head above water, make improvements on my home, hell take a very deserved vacation. NOT!!!!! It's just a SCAM!! BullCrap!! SIKE!! They just want to take you for the very little you got.
Posted by john on 09/07/2007
goto https://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/fraud/MailFraudComplaint.htm and make an official complaint about these jokers... at least if your going to record your compaint, do it where it counts.
Posted by mariapardo3764 on 09/18/2007
Everything that happened to the above, Happened to us!!! Exact the same letter. Money sent by money gram to a b.... named Ann Snyder in Brooklyn. How can we find these crooks!!
Posted by tammy5283 on 01/05/2008
Oh my god I have the same check accept its from First national bank .The check is real and called the guy who could barley speak english and was told to deposit in my account right away, but I did not due to all the scams I have been hearing on the news.
|
