If you receive a letter and a check in the mail, telling you have won some bit of an Irish Lottery, BEWARE!

I am Sherry Asbury and I live in Portland Oregon. In today's mail there was a very authentic-looking check for $2,800 and some odd dollars, along with a letter telling me a computer had pulled my winning numbers.

It seemed, at least for a few precious hours, that I might win the further amount of $120,00! This check was to defray the costs of winning an overseas amount of money. Some $5,000 would be taken out of the winnings for the "sponsor" who was helping me.

Well, I thought to myself, that sounds reasonable. They do it for the funds. I showed the letter to our services co-coordinator (I live in in public housing for the disabled). He, too thought it might be legitimate.

So I called Canada and spoke with Tracy Richardson of Alpha Finances. She bristled when I said I couldn't believe it was real. Of course it is real! She asked if I had deposited the check and I told her I had not until I spoke with someone. Well, says she, "Take the check to your bank and deposit and then call me back."

So off I go, dreaming of buying all the books I want and not having to fear if I can pay the rent each month. Of course, I am not gullible. I do believe that if it seems too good to be true, it most likely is However, the check looked valid and an old disabled lady can dream.

The teller took the check and spoke to his manager, made several phone calls and then told me they were keeping the check, as it was fraudulent. So much for a biscuit with my supper! Or a pair of shoes that fit correctly.

I wasn't really surprised. I tried calling the woman again and of course could not reach her. I did leave a message filled with pathos, guaranteed to draw a sigh of guilt from the most heinous heart. However, I find this kind of thing cruel and disgusting.

They play on folks who genuinely want the win to be true; who will follow through and do whatever is necessary. Now, I have no idea what would have happened if the teller had deposited the check. It might have tied up my funds (42 cents), and made my account a mess.

Tongue-in-cheek aside - if you receive any sort of letter and or check - do not believe for one moment it is genuine! Go to legal aid, or have your bank carefully check out the source.

So, Tracey Richardson, here I am at end of day, having walked to the bank on my bad knee and with a temperature, trying for a dream. The bank has your check, dear and I may forgive you one of these days. . . maybe.

Learn more about this author, Sherry Asbury.
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