Century Specialties Inc Mailed me an award letter and check Midland, Ontario

I received an award letter and check through the mail.  It stated I was a declared winner in a computer based drawing September 5th, 2009 in the 2nd category.  The ticket # 498561256 drew the lucky # 49-55-77-80-02.  My claim # WA/SDH-0101.  I was to call Claim Agent, Lewis McGregor at 1-647-219-6315.  The letter was signed Rhonda, and the name Rhonda Johnson, Promotion Manager was typed beneath the signature.  There was a $3,980.00 check included.  I called the number, and the first sign I got that this was not right, was when the gentleman answered he gave several company names.  I asked did a Lewis McGregor work there, and he paused and asked me for my Claim #.  I read it to him.  Than he told me they had mailed me a check for $3980.00, and I was to deposit it into my checking account and immediately call him once I do that and he will provide me with the Tax information I needed to send the money.  I asked him why his company did not automatically deduct the Tax money and send me the winning amount?  Why did I have to send money to IRS first, before they send me my winnings?  His company could have done that themselves.  I asked him was this a Scam?  He became angry and stated that he just award winning money to sweepstake winners from Home Depot, or Wal Mart.  I asked him how I won money from a sweepstake I never entered.  He stated that from my shopping there my name was entered.  He asked had I shopped at either store in the past two years.  I said yes.  I asked what if my bank place a hold on the check.  He got very angry and said if I did not want the money he would give it to an alternate.  I took the check to my bank, but I showed it and the letter to one of the administrators.  They suggested I contact the bank on the check and look in the Internet to see is there were any reports on the company.  I attempted to contact the bank and was directed to the voicemail of the Fraud Investigator for the bank.  I left him a message to return my call and what it was concerning.  I proceeded to type the company name into the computer, and low and behold I was directed to Rip Off.  There has to be a way to do away with these Scam Artists.  I wanted to share my report, so that like the previous reports, some help will go to Prayfully prevent someone from being Rip Off from these thieves.