First Union Financial Trust Services classy new twist to the classic 419 scam. they send a fake check for you to cover their fake fees. ripoff Nassau Bahamas

This scammer sent us a letter stating we've won $55,000.00. They said that according to international law, we must pay the taxes and fees on the prize, but they were nice enough to advance us $3600.00 to pay those fees with. The check is a VERY good fake. right down to the temperature sensitive security features, but fake nonetheless. The obvious product of identity theft.

the letter gives a phone number, 1-902-412-3172, which is a landline number in Halifax, Nova Scotia. (yes, I've done my homework) the number is forwarded to the scammer's office/home in the Bahama's, or so he says. (probably still in Nigeria)

If you receive a similar letter, and follow through with it, you will cash a check, be talked into sending much, if not all, of it to the scammer. Finally, after you send the money to the scammer, they dissapear, you don't see the lottery winnings.

Oh well, you didn't lose anything, right? WRONG!

The check is fake, remember? it WILL eventually bounce. yes, the back "cleared" it, but they'll be more than happy to "unclear" it for you. and you're on the hook for $3600.00

just remember, you're not very likely to win a contest you didn't enter. I'm meeting with local television news to spread the word about this tomorrow. hopefully you're reading this because you got the letter and decided to check it out, and not because you've lost money.

Steve
Alliance, Ohio
U.S.A.