Maple Resources, Inc.; Richard Pennington, Oscar J. Fletcher, Mr. George Webb, Mary Chris Johnson Letter informing me I had won $145,000.00 in International Shopping sweepstakes along with a "cashiers check" in the amount of $4,775.00. Toronto Ontario Canada

I received a letter from the Maple Resources, Inc., dated 03/19/2009 stating I had won $145,000.00 USD on January 28th, 2009 in the 2nd category. Included in the letter was a "cashiers check" in the amount of $4,775.00 USD to enable me to "pay for the applicable Winning Taxes. The tax amount was stated as USD $3,845 to be paid via Moneygram Wiring Facility directly to my assigned tax agent.

The letter stated "Please do not attempt to use this check until you call and speak with the claim agent MR. GEORGE WEBB at 1-647-834-8974 for further clarification and instruction on claiming your winning."

I called the number and a "George Webb" answered. After verifying the claim number in the letter he quoted the amounts in the letter and verified that I had a "picture ID" in order to sign for the forthcoming winnings. I was told FEDEX would deliver the money within five (5) days and that I should deposit the check for $4,775.00 and call him back after making the deposit.

Note that the "check" had certain security features such as microprinting in the border missing. Missing also was a telephone number for the bank on which the chack was drawn.

I took the letter and check to our local police department where the Lieutenent in charge of fraud Googled the bank, found it was indeed a bona fide US bank at the address on the check. On talking with the bank's fraud department we determined that the check was NOT genuine, the bank was aware of Maple Resources and that the FBI was investigating them.

Tomorrow (Saturday) I am going to my bank to put an alert on my account to prevent any possibility of Maple Resources depleting any funds from the account.

Gene M.
Abingdon, Virginia
U.S.A.