Complaint / Review
Safeco Insurance Group - Safeco Insurance Companies
Consumer's Promotional Draw $250,000 preliminary prize, Fake Check for $4,987.00

I received a very official looking check for the amount of $4,987.00 with the name of "Safeco Insurance Companies" and "Safeco Lloyds Insurance Company" on the check. This check is payable through "The Northern Trust Company" of Chicago, IL.

This was supposedly for a drawing for funds of $250,000 in some sweepstakes for major retailers like Target, Wal Mart, Sears, Macy's, Home Depot, and Zellers, et. Al.

There is a "Claim Agent" named Laura Walton with a phone number of (604) 729-2849 which turns out to be in British Columbia, Canada. The letter also present a "Tax Agent" named Liz Carlton, of Victoria, Canada

At the bottom of the letter is the picture of someone named "Michael Howard" with the title of "Senior Financial Executive" and a phone number of (778) 881-0246 located apparently in Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

So, it appears this is some sort of Canadian-based prize scam!

I have not called the "Claim Agent" yet, but I'm sure I'll find that they want the check deposited and funds sent our immediately. Obviously, the check will bounce (then my bank will charge ME $30 for a bounced deposit!)! I will call the bank listed on the check tomorrow, and will verify the rubberiness of this check!

Thank You, complaint, for bringing this to light! I went here first to see if others had seen this, and sure 'nuff, I'm not the first one to get this letter and this fake check! So, I'll report back when I have more info...

Watch out for this one... The check is authentic, with security features and such just like a 'real' check! It almost fooled me, except I don't recall entering any prize contests, and they also spelled my name wrong! So, no doubt these folks are trying hard to ripoff some gullible Americans! Beware of these guys!

Rw