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Samantha Hayes ReportingA Salt Lake City couple found something in their mail box, something that looked much more exciting than bills and the usual junk mail. The check for thousands of dollars looks very real, but the couple knew they had not entered a sweepstakes and could not be lottery winners.
Instead of calling the bank, good sense prevailed over fantasy, and they called the office of consumer protection.
Not only does the check look real, but it turns out the account number, the bank, and the company who supposedly issued the check are all authentic. But nobody won a sweepstakes and the offer of money is just a hook.
A copy of the letter that was sent with the check to the Salt Lake Couple claims Mr. Bardsley was chosen from a market survey and won $175,000 in a sweepstakes. Enclosed was the check for $3, 725 to pay for "the consolidation and bank services charges." The letter says the bank claim officer should be contacted immediately on how to receive the money.
A state investigator called the number on the letter and was instructed to go to the local Walmart and get a red moneygram form and pay nearly three thousand dollars. Then, with a verification number from that transaction, the winnings would be sent by FedEx.
It could have also cost the couple money if they had cashed the check.
Francine Giani, Consumer Protection: "Even though the check is for $3,725, they want$2,900 in change. What would have happened is if you cash this in your bank account you are responsible for that money."
The consumer protection division is applauding the couple for contacting investigators about the letter. All too often, investigators are looking into a case like this after money has been stolen.
