My mother, deceased for nearly two years, was sent this notification letter (dated June 27) that said, "We are pleased to inform you through this letter that our network system shows you as the lucky winner of the unclaimed prize money in the amount of $ 45,800 USD. The system indicates you were selected as a winner for the North American sweepstakes draws." Claim number given was LCTI 0014678.
Letter continued: "All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn from readers digest publishers clearing house, computers games, sweepstakes data base from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North and South America, South Africa and Asia, as this is our International Promotions Program, which is conducted monthly."
In the letter was a check from Citizens Bank of Batesville, Batesville, Arkansas 72501. (No address or website on check.) Number on the check was 4450495486. Remitter was Helen Smithes - dated 6-27-07. Paula Clark signed the check. I looked up the bank on the internet - looked like a reputable bank; Global Financial Trust Inc. Was not mentioned in relation to the bank.
The letter said that, "The check must be deposited into your bank account immediately to pay for your Lotto, sweepstake winning taxes with the States Lottery and Gaming Commission Agency, which must be paid before we can release your remaining balance in the amount of $41,850.00, excluding 5% handling charges in the amount of $2,092.50 deducted from your total winnings."
The letter further stated: "When the necessary taxes have been deducted, the balance of your winning will be mailed to you n the form of a certified check or release through a local bank in your area that we work with. For security purposes and to avoid double claims, we advise that you keep your winning information confidential until your clams have been processed and your money remitted to you.
The letter gave contact information: Jessica Smith 1-204-951-2797 (Mondays to Fridays from 0900 to 2100 EST and Saturdays from 0900 to 1400. All prizes must be claimed no later than July 18. No exception.
The letter was signed by Glen Maleyson, Consumer Services Group Marketing.
I'm grateful my mother, who was in her mid 90s when she passed on, did not see this letter as she would have deposited the check at her local credit union thinking she was winning big money. She used to enter all the Readers Digest/Publishers Clearinghouse sweepstakes and kept hoping she would win.
I used to work in a Senior Services organization where we often talked with seniors who were getting announcement letters like this one that made them think they were big moneywinners. It's sad that people have to prey on the elderly -many who are deciding to use their limited incomes for medicine or food - many who desperately need extra money to survive.
I hope my information will help to put a stop to Global Financial Trust's sleezeball methods. Does this company pick a bank out of a hat? If there is a legitimate Global Financial Trust Company, it's reputation is ruined with scam sweepstakes notifications like this.
Thank you for this opportunity to inform others and to sound off!!!
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