TRI-STAR INC Random computer ballot system drawing sweepstakes Hamilton Ontario Canada

I received a check in the mail with a letter stating I was one of the 20 lucky winners of a multi-national sweepstake. Of course, I do not fall for these cons so I got right on here to let people know about this one.

The letter also stated that I was entitled to the sum of $180,000 US dollars (my total prize money), and that I was selected through a random computer ballot system drawn from the computer data banks of the sponsors - Wal-Mart, JC Penny, Staples, Home Depot, Shell, Mobil, McDonalds, Pizza Pizza, Sears, AT&T etc.

They sent me a check in the amount of $4,250.00 from "Directions in Design, Inc." in St. Louis, MO, which has been deducted from my winning. Also said I will be using $2,750.00 from this check to pay for the applicable surcharges/govt tax due on my winning and that I would receive a balance of $175,750 on payment of the govt tax through fed-ex.

It said please do not attemp to use this check until I call and speak with MIKE @ 1-905-616-3162 for activation and further clarification.
Also said that TRI-STAR INC is merely the payment disbursement company and they do not have any further responsibility other than processing the winning.

Needless to say, I did not do anything with this letter & check except to get on here to let people know about it. I did notice that there was another company called TRISTAR FINANCIALS, which I am sure is the same company, running the same scam.

We all know if it is too good to be true then it probably is a rip-off. Please do not fall for this kind of scam. REPORT IT where ever you can because we all know that they mostly prey on the elderly who are always in need of extra money and usually fall for this type of scam.

anonymous
North Bergen, New Jersey
U.S.A.