For one Frederick County resident, the prize was too good to be true.
The man was the victim of fraud after receiving a letter in March at a New Windsor business P.O. box that stated he had won a $50,000 prize.
The Carroll County Sheriff?s Office did not identify the victim.
The letter from Palace Casino Promotions in Canada said he needed to pay a release fee and “applicable taxes” totaling $2,500 within 15 days. That amount would be subtracted from the $50,000, resulting in a prize of $47,500.
The victim later received another letter that included a check for $2,680, covering the fee and taxes.
After the victim deposited the check and wired money to Canada, the deposited check was found to be fraudulent, according to the police report filed Thursday.
“A big red flag is when they are told to wire money,” said Sheila Adkins, director of public affairs with the Council of Better Business Bureaus.
“If you have won an official lottery, you don?t have to pay any fees before receiving your winnings.”
Two Carroll residents reported a similar scam last year, said Maj. Thomas H. Long of the Carroll County Sheriff?s Office.
“Never, ever, ever send any money in order to retrieve a prize,” said Kevin Enright, of the Maryland Attorney General?s Office.
“If you have won anything, you would pay the taxes to the IRS, not sweepstakes promoters. Unfortunately, the checks these scammers are now using are realistic enough pass the initial review of bank tellers, and when the checks eventually bounce, the victims are held left to pay.”
The Carroll County Sheriff?s Office and Canadian authorities are investigating, Long said.
Tips to avoid scams
» Consult the Better Business Bureau or file a complaint with the Maryland attorney general before sending money to claim a prize.
» Forward any such mailings to the U.S. Postal Service because those behind the scam are committing mail fraud, according to the Council of Better Business Bureaus.
