"sweepstakes winner"

[deeg15]

In Louisiana, I received a check for $2,990.00 for winning a sweepstakes. The letter said to call the agent and he would give me more instructions. The call was to Canada I think.
I went to my bank and cashed the check. I had to pay off a charge-off account first and did so. I went to the local sheriff's dept and asked if this all seemed above board, and all they said was if the bank cashed it, it must be real.
Turns out the check was fake. I gave the bank everything I had left of the cash, but still owe $400.00. I am trying to make arrangements to pay it back, but can I still be charged with bank fraud or something to that effect?
When something seems too good to be true, IT IS!!!!!
Also, the phone number on the letter is still good, I called the guy this morning. Who should I report this nonsense to, local, state or the Feds?

 

[moburkes]

So, you really cashed a check for winning a "sweepstakes"? So, what sweepstakes did you enter?

 

[deeg15]

Pub Clearinghouse

I called the company on the heading of the letter, and was told that they do work with Publisher's Clearinghouse.
However, today I called them back and was told that there is a scam and to go to their website, which I did, and I left my information with them.

 

[moburkes]

You still haven't answered my question. What sweepstakes did you enter, in which the prize was a $2990 check?

 

[tranquility]

Usually they want some money back for some reason. If you didn't do this (send them money) a crime may not have been committed--yet. If you did give up some money, you might report it to the police, but the feds might care too.

I'd worry more about them having your bank number, signature, phone number, name and whatnot. Take the steps to prevent identity theft. Change the bank account number (or bank if they give you a problem). Tell them what happened to put a note in your account file to make sure they don't give out any information to "you". Put a fraud alert on your credit reports. You might make a password required on your credit files in order to obtain new credit.

Get aggressive now in protecting yourself. People with more experience than I may give additional information or ideas.

 

[deeg15]

the man told me it was pub clearinghouse. i was supposed to moneygram 1500, and they'd send my "other" 47,000 by mail within 48 hrs.
i didn't moneygram anything, and what's worse, when i called him today, he said that since i waited i neede to moneygram 2400, and within an hour.
i actually did enter pub clearinghouse though.

 

[moburkes]

Well, that should have been your first clue. You never have to PAY to WIN something. Oh, brother.

 

[Who's Liable?]

the man told me it was pub clearinghouse. i was supposed to moneygram 1500, and they'd send my "other" 47,000 by mail within 48 hrs.
i didn't moneygram anything, and what's worse, when i called him today, he said that since i waited i neede to moneygram 2400, and within an hour.
i actually did enter pub clearinghouse though.

You are an even bigger bonehead than the person who is trying to scam you. Why are you continuing to collect on this "prize" money when you know there is noone? I can't believe they are still taking phone calls, and you are calling them...