KIRKLAND, Wash. — Residents in Kirkland have reported receiving fraudulent checks with letters saying they have won a sweepstakes prize.
The city’s finance department said the letter is from "Megamillion Clearing House" in St. Louis, Missouri. It says the recipient has been selected to receive a grand sweepstakes prize.
The letter says the recipient should call a phone number within six months of the draw date. Enclosed with the letter is a check made out the recipient that displays the City of Kirkland Finance Department address and logo as well as the Bank of America Seattle address and logo.
The city says the check is fraudulent and should not be cashed or deposited, as it will be charged back to the recipient.
The Kirkland Police Department has initiated a fraud investigation and asks anyone who has received such a letter or has knowledge about the Megamillion Clearing House to contact the police crime tip line at 425-587-3515.
Authorities said those who receive the letter should not call the phone numbers as it is suspected that the fraudsters will try to collect personal financial information.
As is standard finance practice, the City of Kirkland pre-authorizes check numbers to be released by financial institutions, so no public funds are at risk.
The scam is occurring across the country.