ALLEN SECURITIES INC. INTERNATIONAL CLAIMS DEPARTMENT LOTTERY CHECK SCAM Montreal, Quebec

My 81 year old minister received a check in the amount $2,490.00 by mail on 09/19/2011.  The check notes a real, reputable law firm in Washington, DC.  I contacted the law firm and faxed them a copy of the bogus check and letter.  This firm had already received a number of calls that same day, and had posted a note about the bogus check scam on their website.  The letterhead reads, 'Allen Securities Inc., International Claims Department, 1633 Broadway Suite 101 New York, NY. 10019.'  This building does exist in NYC with over 400 businesses.  The letterhead company is not listed on the internet, but does come up as a lotto scam sending fake checks after additional searching on the web.  The letter states that my minister won $50,000, and the enclosed check had been deducted from his winnings, and this payment is for applicable government taxes on his big winnings. The phone number to call to speak with the agent is a Montreal, Quebec, Canada listing. This person tells you to deposit the check and call either of two numbers back to provide additional information to claim your prize.  This is a scam to either get you to send money and/or steal your identity.   The check is bogus.