I am a victim of identity theft and i was just getting to the end of my investigation with the IRS. I checked my mailbox and saw an anonymous envelope with only my name printed on the front, But no returned address. That seemed very strange too me, but i still opened the letter out of curiousity.
The envelope had a letter in it with a reference number: ML645/4/07 and a notice number: L0012614. This letter was dated 04/26. At the top of the letter read"STRIKE FIVE MEGA LOTTIO"! I thought immediately i won something. Behind the letter was a check from commerce bank in the amount of $3,860.00
I was very surprised and in shock. I did not what to believe because i do play the lotto and i do use the internet alot and participate in some sweepstakes and etc. I began to think i really won. I took the check to a check cashing place, feeling very nervous once i got to the cashier.
The cashier saw the check and immediately called the manager from the back office to look at the check. The manager asked me, "Do you want the good news or the bad news?" I said the good news would be great to hear at this time. The manager told me that i won the lotto, but the bad news was "NOT IN REALITY"
I was so relieved instead of upset. I was just overcoming identity theft and for me to have cashed the check and get the money in return would have hurted me more. I was concerned and excited to learn more about the SCAM!!! The check was counterfeit although it looked EXACTLY like a real check. I found out that these checks are being sent internationally for victims to cash them and deposit the funds into their accounts and to find out almost a week later you have cashed a counterfeit check.
I hope whoever is reading this report be very careful when you open your mail. I advise everyone to contact the government authorities as soon as you receive a check from somewhere you are not sure of and do not have a return address on the envelope. I am a very clever person, but when you get a check in your hand for over $3,000 nothing flows through your mine but"I HAVE MONEY THANK YOU GOD!"
In reality stop and sort things out in your head before you rush to cash the check and get the cash just because your name is on it. Strategize things and think about looking at the bank on the check and call the bank "YOURSELF" first to verify if that bamnk issued that check originally. It will surely save you from getting your hopes up high and rushing to the check cashing store to cash it.
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