i called the bank mine writen m&T bank same exact information, they want you to deposit it, thens send them money to get the winning mony, but the check comes back bad, your out that money plus any addional money sent . big time scam

I got the same notice with the exact winning # and exactly the same letter.  The check is from the Bank of Ashville but the letter says Charatered Finacial Services out of Sydney NS Canada. We called the Ashville  bank they said the check is  is a fraud.   Wonder what is going on here?  I think if you deposit the check someone will be able to get your bank account # and clean you out.  My opinion...........

Me too, same claim no AGV-543-623-RFD.  Same serail number 5928549.  Same winning number 11-25-31-37-49.
This check is tagged as from the Bank Of America issued from The City of New York, Dept of Social Services.

My father just received the same exact letter. Is the check number 5916402? I've called the TX state Attorney General's office to file a complaint, since the check is from the SHACK CORPORATION in Fort Worth TX. I'll let you know what happens when I send back the forms for the complaint.

i recieved the same letter. and i am looking into it.

i was just looking into this for my aunt and it seems that you and her received the SAME EXACT letter and check down to the serial number and winning numbers! because of this i think this is a fraud!

On 10/20/2010 I received from Chartered Financial Services, 45 Green Ave., Sydney NS Canada B3L3C8 under Claim No. AGV-543-623-RFD as a 2nd prize winner in the 2nd catgegory of the USA (under the international Sweepstake) draw held on 9/16/10.  The serial number 5928549 attached to your name matched the first five lucky winning numbers 11-25-31-37-49 and subsequently won US $450,000.00 (Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollaars).

Chartered financial services have baeen assigned by the international sweepstake organization to inform the winners and pay them off their winnings.  Payment will be made by CERTIFIED CHECK, WHICH WILL BE DELIVERED BY OUR SPECIAL COURIER COMPANY. Enclosed is a check in the amount of US $4,800.00 which is provided to help you pay for the taxes and this is payable to your tax agent.  TAX AMOUNT IS $3,750.00 US DOLLARS.

FRAUD???    HOAX???