Reader's Digest/AIG Annuity Scam on prize winnings based on Sweepstakes Drawing Seattle Washington

I received a notice of winning a sweepstakes drawing held on Feb.5,2009 with a check enclosed for $3,967.00. I was informed that i had won the lump sum of $117,052.00 and that the check enclosed was to be deposited and to be used to pay the insurance fees associated with my big check that i was to receive after making a wire transfer to a Rosemarie Miller of Houston, TX in the amount of $3400.00. The rest of the money left over in the account was mine to keep.

I was to call and speak to a Michael Osborne or Brenda Pendleton at 778-316-5007. After calling the number several times and leaving messages, I was shocked to finally receive a call back from Brenda (who at this time had no accent). The first conversation with her was summed up like this: "this is a legitimate sweepstakes winning, you must deposit the check, wait 2 days and a certified letter containing your insurance documents and check for $117,052.00 will arrive. Enclosed also find documents which you can discuss over with your accountant and pay the necessary taxes."

I thought something was awry, but waited to hear from the bank. I received 2 letters from the bank stating that there was an extended hold placed on the check and that the check was being returned to sender/issuer.
I then called to speak with Brenda(who now had a hispanic accent) and asked again if this was a legitimate winning. She tried to inform me that the reason the hold was placed on the check was due to millions of dollars being stolen from their company from people who deposited the check and kept the cash. Well, albeit! I never saw the cash and as of right now, I'm waiting for a call back from Brenda to see if I am still a winner. She explained that because of the wire transfer to Rosemarie(the banks insurance officer) not being received, an extended freeze has been placed on the check. She will speak with her manager to see if I can still collect my winnings due to my reader's digest file being closed. All in all, I haven't lost any money, but would like to help others be aware of this scam.

Robert
Glendale, New York
U.S.A.