A couple of months ago, I was watching a court tv show where a lady said that a company sent her a check in the mail, claiming she had won the lottery, and all she had to do was cash the check and send her american agent the money so that the funds could be released. I thought, "what a intricate scam".
Well, lo and behold, I get a check in the mail for 2,997.50 (just shy of 3000.00) Please take notice that all of the people who were scammed, their checks are right under 3000.00. Anyway, The check is drawn on Bank of the West, and the company on the check is American Brass & Aluminum Foundry, Inc, in California.
I called the claim agent, Monica Davids of Zenith Financial Management, and was told to leave my info and a agent would call me back??? Then I called Bank of the west, and was told I could do a check verification, for a fee. Then I called my bank, and was told that I should bring the check in to see if it is valid, and even if I called to verify funds, if the other party withdraws the money out of the bank before I collect, the check will bounce and I would be responsible for the fees.
About 4 minutes ago, someone from the "lotto company" called and was giving me the rundown on the check, when their child started crying in the background and she quickly placed me on hold. I hung up and made my line busy, so that I could finish typing this report. I'm not sure how all this is legal, but I really want to find a way to stick it to them by cashing the check and keeping this money.
They have gotten so many people, but they won't get me. I am disgusted that they would take advantage of people like this. Everyone please be wary of people who will send you a check out of the blue. Thank God for the internet, and don't be afraid to look companies up at the BBB!
Also, I sent a e-mail to the abuse@bankofthewest.com to let them know that one of their customers is using their bank to commit fraudulent acts.
Kay
houston, Texas
U.S.A.