The California Channel, which broadcasts Legislative meetings on cable TV, on Wednesday became the second local entity to reveal that it is the victim of the British International Lottery scam.
People have received letters telling them they won $95,000 - and that to receive their winnings, they must first cash an enclosed check for $2,998 that appears to be from the California Channel.
The check, according to the letters, will cover a "tax and clearance" fee that must be wired to a Canadian contact who disburses the winnings.
"My goal is to get this posted on the Internet, so people will know that this is a scam," said John Han , president of the nonprofit, California Channel.
Banks and check-cashing entities from coast to coast, where the California Channel checks have been presented, are phoning to ask if the checks are real, he said.
"I tell them the checks are phony," Han said, adding he's also received phone calls from individuals who "think they hit the jackpot."
Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region was the first local firm to announce it had been hit by the scam.
Bogus checks with the Sutter Health logo have been sent nationwide to "winners" of the British International Lottery, which is also known as United British Lotto, Sutter officials said.
How many of the phony checks have been cashed is unknown, but people who cash them are later held liable.
"People have received letters telling them they won $95,000 - and that to receive their winnings, they must first cash an enclosed check for $2,998 that appears to be from the California Channel."
I feel badly for anyone who is a victim of a scam, but I still don't know how a person can fall for something like this. I mean, if you didn't enter a contest, how can you win it?
"People have received letters telling them they won $95,000 - and that to receive their winnings, they must first cash an enclosed check for $2,998 that appears to be from the California Channel."
I feel badly for anyone who is a victim of a scam, but I still don't know how a person can fall for something like this. I mean, if you didn't enter a contest, how can you win it?
"People have received letters telling them they won $95,000 - and that to receive their winnings, they must first cash an enclosed check for $2,998 that appears to be from the California Channel."
I feel badly for anyone who is a victim of a scam, but I still don't know how a person can fall for something like this. I mean, if you didn't enter a contest, how can you win it?
They tell you that it was random based on your email usually. I know for me, I go to alot of sites where I might enter in something, and then go from there, and not really think about it. And it's true, once you get that letter that says you're the big winner, you don't really think a whole lot more rationally. I know I already had like 3 cars picked out for the family when it said I won $300,000. They are getting more expensive those scams though.
I got a bargain, scammed for $1,900 for $300,000. These people are getting scammed for almost $3,000 for $95,000. Too Funny....
These scammers are really trying to find new ways to scam people out of there money. Geez.
How is this method "new"?
Well new in the sense that the scammers are using a televison stations name to send out fake checks.
"People have received letters telling them they won $95,000 - and that to receive their winnings, they must first cash an enclosed check for $2,998 that appears to be from the California Channel."
I feel badly for anyone who is a victim of a scam, but I still don't know how a person can fall for something like this. I mean, if you didn't enter a contest, how can you win it?
"People have received letters telling them they won $95,000 - and that to receive their winnings, they must first cash an enclosed check for $2,998 that appears to be from the California Channel."
I feel badly for anyone who is a victim of a scam, but I still don't know how a person can fall for something like this. I mean, if you didn't enter a contest, how can you win it?
Blinded by Greed!
"People have received letters telling them they won $95,000 - and that to receive their winnings, they must first cash an enclosed check for $2,998 that appears to be from the California Channel."
I feel badly for anyone who is a victim of a scam, but I still don't know how a person can fall for something like this. I mean, if you didn't enter a contest, how can you win it?
They tell you that it was random based on your email usually. I know for me, I go to alot of sites where I might enter in something, and then go from there, and not really think about it. And it's true, once you get that letter that says you're the big winner, you don't really think a whole lot more rationally. I know I already had like 3 cars picked out for the family when it said I won $300,000. They are getting more expensive those scams though.
I got a bargain, scammed for $1,900 for $300,000. These people are getting scammed for almost $3,000 for $95,000. Too Funny....