4-21-11
I received a letter [with a Canadian stamp on it] in the mail to my home address from Julian Venture, Inc., 60 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017, with a check for $3550. They said that I won the British American Consumer Appreciation Rewards Sweepstakes in the amount of $150,000. They said to call this number 1-888-741-1386 to activate the check and speak with James Bissonet or Mary Jones. I called and a man with a foreign accent answered. I told him my claim #.
He told me that anytime I pay a bill, my name is entered in the sweepstakes. This is interesting as I rarely use my home address to pay bills—I have a PO Box that I use for a billing address, credit cards and on-line orders, however, I do have orders mailed ot my home address. So I am not really sure where he got my name and address, unless one of the companies I ordered from sold me name and address].
He wants me to cash the check, and after the check clears, I need to send $2880 for the tax due to England through Western England:
Susan Adams, 175 Johnston St., London England. When I asked aobut a zio cide, he told me I didnt need one. After that, I need to call them back and tell them when I will be home to sign for the check in the remaining amount of $146,4500.
He said that he gets a finders fee of 5% to find winners and if I collect the prize, he will get 10%. [it should not be so hard to find me as I have been at this address for 16 years]. When I asked how I can check up on this company, he said to find out through the International Business Association. There are a couple of these and I forgot to ask for the main address of the IBA, so I can't find one that recognizes either Julian Ventures or the sweepstakes.
I tried to do some research on the names above, but have not found anything, The BBB in NYC is not aware of Julian Venture, Inc, The address in NYC comes up as an address of an Attorney group. I searched in London, England White pages, no name for Susan Adams or the address on Johnson St. I cant find the IBA. I should have asked for an address. I tried to call the bank that the check is written from, PNC Bank in Jeanette, PA, but it is Saturday and they are closed. I will probably call during the week.
IT IS PROBABLY A SCAM, as a legitimate sweepstakes would not ask to send money to a middleman. I would assume they would give me a tax statement and I would pay directly, but since this is out of the country, I am not sure of their procedures.
I will not be sending them any money. I am wondering if anyone else has gotten this letter or one similar to it.
I am curious and would still like this verified.
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