Case Report:
Consumer Contacted BBB to ask about "Guta Financial Trust Services"
On 10/8/2006, consumer’s request for information stated:
Company Name: Guta Financial Trust Services
Telephone #: 1-403-889-5419
Address: Centerville House; Collins AVE. P.O. Box N-7543
City: Nassau Bahamas
My husband received a letter from them with a 3,000.00 cashiers check in it, stating that he won a lottery in connection with Lotto, Readers Digest, Publisher's Clearing House, and another sweepstakes company. They said that he won 50,000.00 and they are sending this check for him to deposit into his bank account and cash and send to them to pay for the taxes and for the processing fees. They said that it is in part with the International law guiding the fairness in personal collection of cash prizes that requires that a winner pay processing and tax fees before all of the funds are released. They say that the same law also prevents you from paying with your personal money but from your winning money. I am afraid that when he deposits this check into his account, while the check is waiting to be processed that they will have access to his account if this is not a legit company. I also have until Oct. 16th 2006 to claim all money I guess by sending them the money to their processing dept. to finalize the claim. I am just concerned and wanted to know if you have had issues with this company before or if you could find out something for me before I move forward.
Thank You,
Submitter's Name: : (name removed for privacy reasons)
Email Address: : (address removed)
On 10/8/2006, the BBB advised this consumer:
Dear (name removed):
I am sorry to tell you this, but this is a scam attempt. The BBB sees scams like this one on a daily basis. The check sent to your husband is counterfeit. The scammers want him to deposit or cash the $3,000 check, and then send to them by wire transfer an amount close to the amount of the bogus check. Once the money is wired, it's gone. As soon as the bank determines that the check is bogus, which can take several days, the amount of the deposited check will be charged back to your bank account.
Please do not deposit the counterfeit check and do not send money to these scammers.
If you wish to discuss this situation, do not hesitate to call Bruce Gadansky or me at the BBB.
Thank you for contacting the BBB about this matter.
Charles B. Mattingly
President/CEO
Better Business Bureau, Inc.
On 10/9/2006, the BBB received this response from the consumer:
This is (name removed), I had contacted you yesterday about my husband winning that sweepstakes. I just wanted to write you to tell you thank you for your timely response. I have tried to contact all types of people for this matter, and you were the only one who had any information to give. Thank you again, you have saved me a lot of time and money. Have a great day,
(name removed)