Hatch International World Sweepstakes- Award Winning Notification Scam-Received Conterfeit Check for $4918- Beware of Scams Woodbury New York

Today I Received a letter containing a check for $4,918.00 Dollars claiming that I have won $46,500.00 out of $25,234,000.00, picked from 149,000 telephone numbers and utility bills and that the check in hand was to be used to cover charges/fees for the Lotto Regulatory board saving me the trouble. It also stated that my ticket and serial number emerged as one of the winning tickets and I have been awarded a lump sum payout from prize money shared among winners and to keep winning confidentially to avoid multiple claims. In order to finalize the payment process I need to call there payment coordinator Mrs. Anita Myers or Mr. Michael Simmons at 1-514-625-4287

After reading the letter and looking over the check, I thought it seemed strange because I have never heard of this company or expected any prize money in the mail to begin with. It also sounded false when asked to keep the winning confidential to avoid any multiple claims. What is that? I then called the number and spoke with Mr. Simmons to get some information. Mr. Simmons asked if I had deposited the check. I replied no. He then said, I needed to deposit the check into my bank account and to give them a call back when it clears. I then asked him how does this all work? And if there was any catch to it. He then said no, there is no catch to it, basically all you need to do is deposit the check into your bank account and call me when it clears. After it clears, I will then give you all the information you need to send the money back and claim your $46,500.00. I then replied, What happens if I do not send the money back to you what is going to happen. He then said, If you do not send the money back you will be fined. I then asked why? He said, The money in the check is used to cover the taxes that you will have to pay on your $46,500D. Just call me when the check clears and he hung up on me.

After speaking with Mr. Simmons, I went to my bank to deposit the check. My bank then called the bank where the cashiers checked was issued and was informed that the account number, routing number and check number is current and correct but the amount and date is different. They then said that the check could be a fraudulent and/or counterfeit check. I then called Mr. Simmons back and explained to him what I was told. He then said that the check is good and that I need to just wait for it to clear and call them back.

After going through all of this I realized that it is a scam and decided to research it. I then found this. I knew that it was jut to good to be true and that I do not want anyone to fall a victum of these scams. Here is the information on my check and letter that I have.

Ticket# 1645
Serial# BR-717

Bank Information:
Wilshire State Bank
3200 Wilshire BLVD
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90010

Date: August 12,
Check# 05 01535
Check Amont $4918.00
Acct# 90999905
Routing#122038251

If anyone can help with stopping this people from continuing to scam others please give as much information as possible. If you should have any more information please contact me. Mahalo....

Islandgirl
WAIANAE, Hawaii
U.S.A.