There is a new scam out--looks like real scam professionals.
I received a postal letter with a check for $3, 995.00 ( ck looked authentic --had a colored/patterned background). Ck was from HDS Retail North America written on JPMorgan Chase Bank in Syracuse, Ny. The letter stated I had won a $125, 000.00 prize from HDS who represents such well known stores as Wal-Mart, Sears, K-Mart, Home Depot, Macy, Best buy, circuit city, etc. ( I did search HDS and there is a company that does consulting work for well known retail store and think their name is being used fraudulently--it is a sound company). The story goes---the check is the amt owed for taxes--it was deducted from the original amt. I was to contact an agent who would instruct me on how to wire/telegram the tax money to IRS and after it was received, I would be sent the remaining money by cashiers check by fed Express.
Sounds good--right. It is a scam because I checked out the routing no on the check and there is not a no like it--I then checked JPMorgan Chase bank in Syracuse and there isn't one-.
I think the scam works like this--the check they sent for the taxes is deposited and you call the agent telephone-Mark Edwards-1-416-857-0306- ( ck it out and it is a celll phone no) and he instructs you how to wire/telegram the tax money to IRS and then the check you deposited doesn't clear, so you are left being scammed for $3995.00 out of your own account. Just be alert --you may be the next one to receive such a letter or phone call from the fraudulent company.