What scam is this one - help!

[lillygator]

So I get a letter today - no return address with a check enclosed $4920.00 to me and the writer is AACE International written on ank One Merrill Lynch - no where on the check does it say anything suspect.
The letter it came with says unclaimed winnings $250000 which I owe tax $3980 to pay through a moneygram...it states this check is to help coer the taxes.....the check looks real really real.

 

[C.Ann]

Scam.. Do NOT cash the check or send anyone any money to "cover taxes".. This is a well known method of parting people from their money..

Sorry..

 

[lillygator]

I wouldn't dream o sending anyone any money - just curious

 

[fireman17]

This is one of the biggest scams running. The check is no good and you'll be out of your money if you send money to cover the taxes. Shred the check.

 

[lillygator]

do people really cash these

 

[okeydokey]

do people really cash these

Yes, unfortunately they do. There was a story in my local paper a couple of weeks ago about a woman that got scammed this way.

 

[sha_lyn]

So I get a letter today - no return address with a check enclosed $4920.00 to me and the writer is AACE International written on ank One Merrill Lynch - no where on the check does it say anything suspect.
The letter it came with says unclaimed winnings $250000 which I owe tax $3980 to pay through a moneygram...it states this check is to help coer the taxes.....the check looks real really real.

any legit sweepstakes would take the taxes out ahead of time and send the check certified mail