The check received is very official looking and banks will accept - has watermarks, etc., and no language indicating that you're agreeing to anything by cashing (which is the first thing I suspected!). When you call the number, the person tells you that you won $8k based being chosen by a merchant that you used (American Express, Visa, Target, Home Depot, etc.) and that they chose you for the $8k as part of a marketing effort. Then tells you to deposit the check they sent with your bank, and call to get instructions on how to send the $860 processing fee (so that you're still in the good because they sent a check for $968), and they'll send the remainder of the $8k. Really sounds like a no-lose situation, as even if they don't send the $8k you're still in the good as the check was cashed. I learned from this site that the check will ultimately be rejected and your bank will reverse the deposit, etc., causing fees, etc and loss of the funds (particularly if you sent in the $860). I am a CPA and almost cashed the check (but wasn't going to send in the $860)- this is a great scam - I'm embarassed a bit! Glad to have this site to check on, as nothing came up on general search engines for Barnes Marketing.
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