APPLEGATE SECURITIES INC. Fake Sweepstakes Winnings ST. Montreal Ontario

I received a letter in the mail from Applegate Securities Inc. ot of Portland, Me., informing me that I had been selected randomly for $250,000 in Shoppers Sweepstakes winnings. It was a share of $5 Million that 20 people out of 50,000 had been declared winners. With it was an enclosed check for the amount of $4,890 with the sole purpose of paying Government taxes in the amount of $2,985. It also directed me to call and speak with Barbara Jones before cashing the check to get further instructions as to where to send the tax funds via Money Gram.

When I called, 'Barbara Jones' told me to put the check into the bank and call her directly after to obtain information as to where to send the money gram. The check was written from Key Bank in Portland, ME. I tried to cash the check and my bank told me that it was a fake. I wanted to be sure so I called, 411, information to get the number to call Key Bank in Portland, Maine, I talked to a manager and they could not verify the account or the funds. I called information again to get the number to Applegate Securities Inc. in Portland, ME., but it did not exist. I then called 'Barbara Jones' back to ask why they had done this in such a needy time in the economy. She said she had to speak with her manager and call me back. She never called back and never answered the phone again. If you receive a similar scam as I did, Please do NOT cash your check!

Keith
Fayetteville, North Carolina
U.S.A.