I received a letter from HOMESTYLE TRUST, INC.informing me that I had been randomly selected as the winner of a $39,000.00 home improvement grant.inclosed was a check for $4990.00 to cover the taxes. I needed to call 1-289-892-4275 and ask for FRED JOHNSON or CARMEN SLOAN at which time I would be instructed how to activate my check.
The check sat here for several days before I thought "what if it's real". Without doing any research... I think I was afraid what I would find... I followed FRED JOHNSON'S instructions and cashed the check. I did not, however, send any money to LISA WHITEFIELD in BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. I left the check in my account waiting for it to clear. I do admit that I spent some the money out of my account though.
Four days later my husband got a call from my bank that the check I cashed from R&J FURNITURE was a fraudulant check and my account had been frozen pending investigation. This was the first he knew of the whole thing! I have had to repay the bank and incured over draft charges.
I called the number on the letter this morning. Same man claiming to be FRED JOHNSON answered. When I called him on the fraud he hung up on me. Everytime I have tried to call back from my home number the call is sent to voicemail.
I had to take care of the bank today and when I was on my way home I called my husband at home. Imagine my surprise when my home phone rang to HOMESTYLE TRUST, INC! I got home and called my phone company. Someone from HOMESTYLE TRUST, INC. Somehow had my home phone number forwarded to their office and used my long distance service. Fortunately my carrier provides me with unlimited long distance service so charges were made. The phone company is going to provide me with all the numbers they called so I can turn them over to the police as well.
I am so ashamed of myself and embarrassed beyond words. The worst part? My husband is a federal police officer! He is so mad at me. I thought I would be answering our prayers. Little did I know I would be getting us into a nightmare!
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