PRESS RELEASE

November 9, 2007

The Bristol Police Department is currently investigating an attempted fraud.  This week a company, alleged to be based in Canada, mailed a counterfeit check to a resident of Bristol.  A letter was sent with the check advising the person that they had just won a lottery.  In both cases the person was instructed to give their bank account information so that the money could be deposited into their accounts. 

Consumers are often fooled by such checks because their bank will initially cash the check and permit the consumer to withdraw the funds. Often, the consumer is asked to pay a "processing fee" to the scammer before the remainder of the purported funds can be released. Since the consumer is able to cash the realistic-looking check, the consumer feels that the offer is legitimate and sends the processing fee. Later, when the check does not clear, the bank will demand that the funds be repaid along with any fees associated with the returned check, and the consumer is also unable to recover the false processing fee.

It is important for people to know that you cannot win a lottery you did not sign up for.  It is also important for people to know that it is illegal to participate in a foreign lottery.  If you do receive a letter or a check and you believe it to be suspicious, report this information immediately to your local police department.

John E. Clark, Chief of Police

Town of Bristol