"Marriott" scam fools people into thinking they've won big

KSDK -- If someone contacts you to let you know you've won big in a contest you never entered... it's almost always too good to be true.

A Cadet, Missouri man received notification in his mail box allegedly from Marriott claiming that he had won more than $250,000 dollars in a drawing in the Bahamas in 2007.

With the notice, which you can read by clicking here, came a check for $4,947.77.  We included a copy of the check here.

All the "winner" is asked to do is deposit the check into their account, and take out $2,950 for processing.  There's a phone number provided, and the person on the other end will tell you where to send that money so you can receive your prize.

Then the check you deposited bounces, you're out nearly three thousand dollars, and no big jackpot is coming your way.

This is one of many sweepstakes scams popping up across the country. 

Remember, legitimate sweepstakes require affidavits before sending out any prize valued at more than $600. The affidavit asks that you confirm that the information you submitted when you entered the contest is correct.  In most cases, this is done in front of a notary public.

Another tip to remember is sweepstakes scams often have lots of typos, poor punctuation and grammar.  You'll notice at the bottom of one of the forms attached to this story it says "Once again Congratulation from all members of our staff".