Grant Outlet Sent me a check for $4,975 - bank says "FRAUD" Malibu California

Today I received in the mail what I thought was a nice boost, no such luck.

I was sent a "grant" check for $4.975.00 which is drawn on the M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank in Antigo, Wisconsin. The company that sent the check is listed as Metavante Corporation. Both the bank and Metavante are real, the source sending the check is not.

It states to deposit the check if you accept the grant and then go to their web site and pay them a commission from your checking account in the amount of $497.50 (10%) then you would be sent the remaining half of the money for a total grant of $9,950. I never got that far.

For a few moments I thought all my money problems were solved and then I started questioning this "grant" and got on the internet. They have a web site that is professional looking with pictures and names of people, including the one who brokered my check. I thought this looked pretty promising. Then I thought, there are no papers to sign included, it was sent in a plain white envelope with no return address and there's no phone number - just a fax (which I forgot to write down). Also, this group is located in Malibu, CA and the bank is in Wisconsin!

I looked up the bank on the net and they have a 24 hour customer service number. I called and spoke to a woman and asked her about the company and the check. She said she was sorry but it was a fraud and to shred the check as quick as possible.

I'm glad I decided to check them out but it sure is disappointing. They wouldn't have gotten anything from me since the account I would have put it into only has a few dollars in it to keep it open so I can cash checks! My "real" account I won't give out to anybody.

Please be aware and be careful. If it is too good to be true, it usually isn't.

Lynn
Hibbing, Minnesota
U.S.A.