Ok, here's one that I got! Last fall, I got this check in the mail with a letter explaining that I HAD WON 250,000.00 from this company, and that this check was for the tax portion of the award. This check needed to be cashed, and I was to send them a check for 2500.00 so they could release my check. It was on a legitamate looking check from a legitimate looking company.
Believe me, I was tempted! I figured that if publishers clearing House could do this, maybe someone else could!
I called the number on the letter, and somebody answered...kind of sounded like some guy living in a cabin in the mountains (kids yelling/dogs barking in the background).
Rationality got the better of me, so I went looking for the company on the check. They did exist and their accounts payable department actually answered the phone! So I told the lady about it...she had been deluged all morning by calls...no dice. She said that what it was was a scam where they send you a perfect check. In your excitement, you deposit it, and immediately send them your check for 2500.00 so you can get your whole award. But then they cash your check, and you get an overdraft for 2500.00 because their check was no good!
I'm just really glad I got it instead of my 81 year old parents. They would have fallen for it in a heartbeat!