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  LOTTERY AND SWEEPSTAKES SCAM ORIGINATING FROM CANADA
  JOB OFFER SCAM ORIGINATING FROM CANADA
  WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM?
  SAMPLE LETTERS
  SAMPLE CHECK

LOTTERY AND SWEEPSTAKES SCAM ORIGINATING FROM CANADA

It has come to Cathay Bank’s attention that there are fraudulent letters circulating throughout the United States. The letter informs the recipient that they have won prize money in a lottery or sweepstakes. The prize money ranges from $30,000.00 to over $100,000.00.

The letter further states that there is a processing fee that must be paid prior to the recipient collecting the prize money. A check is enclosed to assist in the processing fee. The checks are in various amounts but to date range between $3,000.00 and $5,000.00. Although the checks reference Cathay Bank as the drawee bank, the checks are counterfeit.

The letter instructs the recipient to deposit the check into their bank account and transfer the funds to a company in Canada. The letter provides a phone number for the recipient to call to obtain transfer instructions. The letter further states that after the funds are transferred the recipient will receive the grand prize. THIS IS A SCAM – DO NOT DEPOSIT THE CHECK OR TRANSFER ANY FUNDS.

To date, letters have been generated from the fraudulent companies below:
  • Union Clearing House – British Columbia
  • Epical Worldwide Lotto – Saskatchewan
  • Epical Worldwide Sweepstakes and Lotteries – British Columbia
Many victims of this scam have already transferred the funds to the company in Canada. Unfortunately, these victims may be responsible for reimbursing their bank for the counterfeit check amount.

JOB OFFER SCAM ORIGINATING FROM CANADA

The job offer scam works similar to the lottery scam. It offers the recipient a job that they previously expressed interest in. A check is enclosed with letter. The recipient is instructed to deposit the check in their bank account and to call for further instructions. The scam continues that if the recipient accepts the offer, they will receive 15% for every check they cash plus an average monthly salary of $1,500.00.

To date, letters have been generated from the fraudulent company below:
  • Directions - Winnipeg, MB

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM?

Should you receive a letter and check in the mail that is similar to those described above, do not cash or deposit the check into your bank account. If you have already cashed or deposited this check, you should immediately contact your bank/branch and inform them that the check is counterfeit. Attached are sample letters and a sample check for your reference.

If you are a victim of this scam, you should contact your local police department for further instructions.

For more information on lottery/sweepstakes frauds, visit the FraudAid website at http://www.fraudaid.com/ScamSpam/Lottery/index.htm.

Additional information on consumer scams can be located at www.ftc.gov and at http://www.fakechecks.org.

This crime is being perpetrated against Cathay Bank. Cathay Bank has no involvement with these scams and did not issue any checks related to these scams. Cathay Bank will not reimburse for any loss associated with these types of check scams.

SAMPLE LETTERS







SAMPLE CHECK
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