November 20, 2009
- Roseburg, Oregon
That prize notice from REI isn't real
By Herb Weisbaum
Can you believe it? You've just won $150,000 in promotional drawing from REI!
At least that's what the letter says. Inside the envelope there's a check for $3,800. "We are not running this contest and the checks are counterfeit," says Jonn Trinka, who deals with fraud at REI. "People are supposed to cash the check and then contact their claim agent," Trinka says of how the scam works. "They would get instructions to wire the money to a tax officer in Great Britain. "According to the letter, the taxes have to be paid in full before any prize money can be disbursed." Because the check is counterfeit, you'd be out any money wired overseas, even if the bank accepted the deposit and let you withdraw the money. This is just the latest fake check sweepstakes scam. They tend to work the same way -- deposit a check and wire off some money. No legitimate contest would make you do that. By the way, if you won a real contest or sweepstakes you might owe taxes on your winnings. That money would go to the IRS via the normal route -- your income tax return. For more information REI Statement on "Prize Winning Payout" Scam |
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