I recived in the mail an authenic looking check dated 10/28/08, in the amount of 4,970.50 with a letter included. The letter was dated 10/31/08 Claim# 2039 from Southwest Trust Inc.
The letter said in part "Your Business/Home improvement Grant of 37,000.00 was deposited into an escrow account pending claim.
The letter continued with Enclosed herein is a check for 4,970.50 which is a deduction from your total Grant amount of 37,000.00. You will use part of this check to pay necessary fees and taxes for this claim and the balance is yours to keep.
Paying these fees is a mandatory legal requirement and also serves as a verification method to establish the legitimacy of your claim.
The letter says Before cashing this check, call and ask for Andrew Coxwel or Lisa Woodwoth at 289-892 4467 and quote your claim number.
claims must be filed beore Nov. 18th 2008. Agent Cynthis Trevino 519 Halsey st Brooklyn ny 11233-1142 from the escrow account will release the fund as soon as the claim is filed.
I made the call but got an voice mail asking to leave my name and number and they would return my call. I did not leave any information and hung up the phone.
I went online to search Southwest Trust Inc. I saw an article on Rip Off which led me to this site and information on the same letter that i received.
normally I shread all junk mail but this one looked real. Be Ware.
Babs
LINCOLN, Nebraska
U.S.A.