Citi Financial
Complaint 113786 Details

Letter from Citi Financial with a check from Novartis Pharmaceuticals for $3,850.00 drawn on Deutsche Bank Trust Company Delaware. The letter stated:

"We are pleased to advise that you are one of the winners in the "CONSUMER PROMOTION SWEEPSTAKES DRAWING" organized for all customers of the participated retail stores in the United State and Britain. The selected stores includes: Wal-Mart, Sears, ASDA, Walgreens, and Staples.

"An ENTRY SLIP, with serial number 92530BH, attached to your name drew the lucky winning number: 02-09-20-38-48. You are entitled to a guaranteed sum of $50,000.00 (Certified check), which will be delivered to you, by a Courier Company (FedEx or Ups).

"Enclosed is a check of $3,850.00, deducted from your prize, this will go towards the applicable Non-Resident Tax Clearance Fee of $1,920.00. The tax is payable to the Revenue Department through your assigned British tax officer as stated below:

"Tax Officer: Mrs. Pamela Jones
3 Bond Street, London
United Kingdom. E15 1LT

"Tax Amount: $1,920.00

"Method of Payment: Western Union Money Transfer

"You are therefore advised to contact your Payment Handling Officers: Mr. Marvin Anderson or Ms. Susan Davis on Tel: 866-542-5669, UK Office 01144-7448066029 between 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday (Eastern Standard Time) for instructions on your payment.

"Yours Sincerely:

Mrs. Linda Robinson
Promotion Manager"

This letter is eerily similar to the one received by Anonymous on Dec. 1, 2011. I've kept the serial #s from that letter. The envelope was from Britain, no doubt about that. The check looked valid. But the letter raised suspicions ...