Universal Intertrade Universal - National Lotto not what they seem?? Greenup Illinois

In a letter dated July 4, 2008 stating I was one of ten (10) winners chosen from over 50,000 people who had won a lottery that was held on June 21, 2008 entitling me to $150,000.00. This colorful and somewhat official looking letter written on plain paper had a header reading Universal Intertrade with two (2) addresses, one in Greenup Illinois and another in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with a colorful "Lotto Agent" logo in the lower right corner. According to the letter "many" attempts had been made trying to contact me (not true). As part of the letter was enclosed a check in the amount of $4983.98 which was deducted from my "winnings" so I could pay taxes/fees of $2996.00.

It was then requested I contact a claim agent; Wilson Gifford at a number provided with a (289) area code and provide my claim number. Upon receiving this I looked online as to the legitimacy of this even finding the existence of the Greenup National Bank and lo and behold I discovered through "Ripoff Report" numerous others had been targeted by these same individuals with identical letters. Upon further investigation I found that the National Lotto Corp. was also mentioned in similar contacts using different agents

Is there no recourse for those of us who were targeted? I could surely use 150 large, heck; even the almost $2000.00 remaining from the initial check would be helpful. All because I took part in a survey for some online shopping venture. Wow, do I feel silly. I certainly hope if anyone else received this they took the time to look it up and avoid any disappointment.

Pudgy
Lincoln Park, Michigan
U.S.A.