I Received A Letter From Award Payment Data Release Division Stating That I'd Won $1,400,000.00 And All I Had To Do Is To Send $19.99 Award Data Release Fee. Is This For Real?

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112 Answers

Connor Sephton Profile
Connor Sephton answered

Of course it's not! No one gives out that kind of money. And legitimate raffles or price drawing are either free or only require you to purchase something, complete a survey, or similarly minor and non-invasive practice in order to gain entrance to the drawing. There is nothing minor about an almost $2,000.00 entrance fee.

This is a scam that is intent on taking your money and running with it. Likely, they will also take your personal information, including credit card, bank account and personal identity information and run with that too.If you respond at all, you've already put yourself at risk as they are phishing for personal information including, name, bank account, email address, mailing address, and anything else they can get their hands on.

These kinds of scams become very popular during times of recession, like the one that we have very recently experienced. People are suffering and desperate for money. These types of circumstances make them more likely to look into or participate in something that they would at any other time in their lives recognize for what it is - a blatant attempt to take advantage of people.

This particular scam, which has been making its rounds via email lately, looks somewhat authentic, which makes it even harder for the unknowing and desperate public to recognize it as illegitimate. The message arrives with a name, Robert Richards, as the prize authority, and comes from what looks like a real company and address, specifically, Data Release Division, East Meadow, New York.

Don't be fooled. No matter how legitimate the whole thing may look, it is nothing but a scam intended to steal money from trusty and hopeful individuals. Even if they can't get money from you through you writing a check or paying with a credit card for the "release fee," they are looking to get something from you in other ways. This could be your identity or could be access to your email account. Either way, you should just mark the message as spam and move on.

Sue Gill Profile
Sue Gill answered
This is a hoax, don't waste your $$ or time--you should never have to pay to get a prize.
thanked the writer.
View all 20 Comments
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
I mailed mine back with play money see how they like that !
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
When I received this, like all of you I was hesitant. I then noticed there was a whole page of printed stuff on the back. I read it and it does tell that you will not get any money (basically), and that for your money you are buying a "report". That is how they are getting away with this. No one thinks to look at the back of the letter and read the "fine print". It's very lightly printed so not to many people see it. It's probably legal because there is the printing on the back.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
Yes this is absolutely insane! I receive 3 to 4 letters in 1 day regarding the same scams for instance (the international award payment center,advanced documenting institute,award notification commission x 4, and sweepstakes clearinghouse dept of notifications plus more). It is very sad that the government cannot put a stop to this nonsense!! They are really preying on those of us that are poor and have to live on a fixed income like myself due to a tragic car accident which left me having to draw unfortunate disability. Although i think that GOD will put his revenge on these people and something will happen to put these people in there place!! All we need to do is put our faith in GOD where it should be!!!!!!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
It's not true don't do it there trying to lure you into something that you can't get out of!
thanked the writer.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
I also recieved a letter saying I won all kinds of money and I needed to send 19.99 and I would get my money YEAH RIGHT SCAMMERS and I will notify the attorney generals office and the BBB and I just might try to sue the company resopnsible for this because technicaly stated by my lawyer I have a legal document saying they are awarding me this money even though it is a scam they still need to pay up if it is a real company??? GIVE it a try they need to pay for what they have done to innocents
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
This is a scam and don't fall for it. That is how they make their money. Think of all the individuals that sent $19.99...
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I just got one of these letters too. I was excited, but ironically, I received a letter from National Awards Advisory Center the same day.  The letters were identical in nature, looked very professional and if I had only received one of them, might have bitten.  But two in one day from separate award centers?...come on!  So I Googled it... And here we are.  I was on Ripoff.com just before this site and people were talking about taking the letters to their local post office and writing the BBB.  Might be worth it... Looks like they have been around for a couple of years now for sure...  They should be stopped.  How many people fall for this?  They must be making a profit or they wouldn't still be sending out letters.  Let's shut them down!!!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I got one of these as well. It was all particularly vague on if I had actually won anything or not. The 20 bucks to send in for the reward sounded fishy. If you read the back "consumer information" you will find that D.R.D. Is merely a research and reporting service. Not an actual sweep-stake service like the publishers clearing house or anything like that. The $20 you send them is *suppose* to subscribe you to their research where they send you some biweekly report on all the supposedly legitimate sweepstakes out there. Also in this information, it says that if you don't want to hear from them again, mail the package back with a big DNM next to your name which should unsubscribe you from their mailing list.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I got the same letter last week ,I checked into it and it is a scam to take peoples money
and in return you get nothing.

D.K. Harris
smsaidi saidi Profile
smsaidi saidi answered
Dear sir ,

letters that you recieved I , basically receive the same almost 15 to 25 weekly ,

please take care of not sending money in any case and don't Even think to send money via atm or any electronics ways of payment , just like we say in french those are escrows nothing else .
Take care please and when in the future you receive that kind of you won and bla bla bla , just be kind and delete the message .
Thanks and take care bye
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I, too, just received the same letter. I was always told that if you have to send in money for something you won, then it's a scam. People beware because there are a lot of bad people out there trying to take advantage even down to emails. I get a lot of emails offering me jobs but I have to have a checking account in my name for transactions (companies are over seas). I had the BBB check a few because I wanted to see if they were legit. The companies were shady to say the least and probably needed a Innocent person to money launder or something just as bad, and I don't think I'd look good in an orange jump suit!!! So be careful!!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
This is garbage spam. Don't even open it. I receive a dozen or more of garbage emails like this daily.most of them appear in my spam box but the ones that don't, I send them to my spam box and delete them all. "word of caution" if it seems too good to be true, don't trust it. Nothing in this day and time comes for free. Ohhh how I miss the 60's & 70's!!!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I just recieved 1 of those letters today & it looks so real it's crazy!!! Being a single mother of a 23 mo. Old baby with no money made me REALLY want to believe this was for real, but it sounded weird that I had to pay 19.99 so I checked it out & found out many of you recieved the same thing. This paper stated that it was an official document & that all I had to do was initial 2 areas & sign the bottom & send it in to 'ISSUANCES OFFICE, proceedings director, po box 9000, east meadow, ny. 11554-9000', along with the 19.95, & once they recieve iti will be GUARENTEED my 100% access for the awarded monies & prizes! It also stated that holder of prize/ report id #2243995186 filed & on record-- award payment data confirming amount to be paid by the named sponsors- AMOUNT-MONEY/ AWARDS DATA CONTROL OFFICE, ***$1,400,000.00--$ ONE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS--***...all that with my name & address wanting my signature to identify me as the official winner of this prize! I've read it like 10 times in 30 minutes trying to make sure I didn't misread this thing & I can't believe it's fake! These assholes are GOOD!!! I say we stake out the po box & beat the f*@% outta that guy!!! I'm so pissed!!!!! I really could have used even 1/2 of that money, & the worse part is that I've actually entered 2 sweepstakes in the past month that was a million & some $$ so that made me want to believe it that much more...what a bum deal!!!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
No, this is fraud, so many of these type of business send out fraudulent checks, I have received many of them, don't send any money.. Just think 1,000's of dollars they are collecting by sending out these bogus checks. If you won a large sum of money you wouldn't have to send money to receive it. To answer you questions is this for real no, they know people need money and are willing to do just about anything to get it. I had some people from Nigeria send me something like that and tons of e-mails until I set my spam filter up. I called the company they were laughing in the background saying just send the money sum $880, for a fraudulent check of over $1,000,000.

At that time I was in the process of buying a home and that information looked good at the time, they even had a fake phone number that set up to answer, these people are professional, don' t get caught up in this. I received a check for over $3,000 suppose to be some grant, I send them $400, then they would send me $9,500 once the check cleared on their end. I took it to the their bank not mine as they suggested, the bank said that was not their mark on the check and I would be sorry if I deposited it. I told them I know I would that is why I brought it to their bank not mine to verify it was fake. I hoped this helped you, there is also another program that sends you checks to do mystery shopping, I talked to them, they hung up the telephone after having me wait so long on the phone.
Ashlyn Dobbins Profile
Ashlyn Dobbins answered
I have received a letter from the Award Payment Data Release Div. Saying I have been identified as the holder of one million four hundred thousand dollars in cash and prizes. But believing this to be a scam I looked it up on the net and found many other people whom have received the same letter, word for word, all of which have said it to be a ripoff/scam. Hope this helps.
Jan Davis Profile
Jan Davis answered
Of course this is not for real. Anyone that asks you to send money so they can send you some is just a scam. If they were going to actually give you that much, then why not just deduct that from the amount they were going to send you? If you send them $19.99 you will be minus that much, they will keep it and you certainly won't be sent any cash.
Oddman Profile
Oddman answered
It is a real organization dedicated only to separating you and many other people from $19. You will never see any part of $1.14 million dollars.

Never "buy" a "free" prize. When a miracle comes into your life, it will not cost you money up front.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I just received the letter also, Look close...it doesn't say you won the 1.4 mil...it says for the $19.95 they will send you data on the entry's to the award. The back of the first letter specifically says, "This communication is not a sweepstakes or award notification and does not guarantee that you will win any sweepstakes."
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I had just received the same letter and I was wondering if it was real or not. Thanks for pointing it out that it was a scam!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
This is a huge scam and rip off. I too received that same letter and I couldn't believe something like that was possible and was so sicked that I went along and sent the 19.99 "fee".... Now I come to find out that it was hoax through this site, I can't believe how shady these people are playing with our feelings....
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Unbelievable!!! Wow, I mean I'm just amazed and disgusted all at once. This is the most scandalous thing I've been through since I was born and I would hate for this to happen to any child of mine. I mean here it is almost the end of the decade and these useless individuals are still at this hot mess. I am outraged and staggered at their audacity and I just can't help but to think: It's been over three years after the fact (since the documented commencement of these insipidus acts) and THEY ARE STILL OUT THERE! My word!!! The justice system can't be this slow or tolerant, to say the least. These morons should have long gotten put away or prevented so people can go about their everyday, busy lives without being tempted, disappointed and deceived any more than they already are on a regular basis. These sick freaks have got to go down and I am totally down for the cause. I'll do whatever I have to, to make sure this does not happen to me or anyone else for that matter. Post office officials, state attorneys, facebook, youtube and twitter are all going to be hearing about this. Channel 10 news also if at all possible. This ludicrous most certainly must be stopped. I didn't throw my letter away and I'll see to it that the world sees this if it's the last thing I do. November 15, 2010 and they have the audacity to send this nasty thing to the wrong house on the block!!! Well, I will say one thing, if it's the last thing I do, they are going down--Big time. It's on!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
The first thing I noticed was that the envelope said "FIRST CLASS MAIL, PRESORTED".  That means it was sent out in bulk and sorted by zip code.  You would never receive notification of a monetary prize in that fashion.  In fact, it would be certified mail that you had to sign for.  Secondly, this company covers itself on the back page of the letter by saying that the document doesn't guarantee that you've won anything.  But I am an attorney and guarantee you that if someone wanted to start a class action suit against these scumbags for deceptive advertising, they'd likely win.  But the damages would not be great.  

The company attempts to cover itself by saying that you can receive your $19.95 back if you're not satisfied with their publication.  So they've used all of the appropriate sneaky scumbag tactics to cover themselves in the event that anyone reads all the fine print.

To sue these scumbags, you'd have to show damages.  The most you probably would get would be your 19.95 and then three times the amount (treble damages) .  They count on the fact that most people aren't going to hire an attorney and pay court costs when all they would be entitled to would be $80.  In addition, if someone sued for a large amount because they spent money they didn't have after having acted in reliance upon the promise in the document, the company might prevail by showing the language on the back of the letter.  In other words, they have attempted to cover their backsides.  They probably rely upon the fact that some of the people who part with the money just write the experience off when they realize they've been scammed.  And the others who save the letter and ask for their money back, likely get it

Deceptive scumbags who will burn in hell.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I received 3 letters back to back. The obvious thing was no physical address you mail it to a Post Office Box and there is no phone number either. It is sad that some sick person would do something like this knowing families are struggling as it is and to scam them is just down right horrible.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I just recieved a letter from this company as well....has anyone sent off the money they are asking for and actually recieved the promised payment....I am a little puzzled as to how they are allowed to keep sending off these letters and disappointing people....taking peoples hard earned money...there should be a way to report them and then sue them for false advertising......

Thanks concerned person!!!!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Do as I always do...send a detached portion or whatever back to them and include a note for them to deduct the $19.99 from the prize...haha, they'll never bug you again
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
No. If you ever receive a letter of this kind:

1. Check to see if there is a physical address
2. Check to see if there is a phone number or a fax number
thanked the writer.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
Even if there was a phone number or a fax number it is still more than likely to be a scam. I know because I called a number an faxed them the info that was said to be faxed and it was most definitely a scam.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
Hi!

I received the announcement today, that I have won $1,400.000.00, from the Award Payment Data Release Div. They did not list an address, nor phone #. Thank God for the computer and Internet so that you can find out about crooks likes these. Who is going to put a stop to this?Do we need to tell President Obama? :-)

10/4
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
We all need to file a class action suit on these people, First every p.o. Box is registered to an individual holding a valid license, Second I am sure they know have a heavy amount of money and  third should be sued. Any lawyer interested in doing something about this? I got the same letter and laughed my butt off. I could not believe these measures taken. Even to get a U.S. Permit postage paid first class to mail these letters out with. SOOOO Fourth that permit is registered to an individual or corporation ect. They can be identified and should have a class action suit placed on them. I mean an old person may have suffered a heart attack from this for all we know. Lawyers please take some action and include from their permit all the people they sent it out to as well as all checks they received and actually cashed.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I got the same letter and I wrote them back and stated I was going to take it to a lawyer and let them handle it, I also reported it to numerous agencies. I requested that they take the fee out of my winnings if I won so much!
It's terrible that there are people out there that instead of getting a real job that they would rather try to rip off innocent, hard working people! Well not everyone in this world is stupid enough to fall for this kind of crap!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I got the same later to day and I'm glad I look it up on the internet
and I read some of the things the other people said about it thanks for having this on
line were people can com and read this before
they do any thing crazy some body need to stop these
people
JuliAnne/ Genuine Guidance Profile
No, it is not real that you won that amount of money, or any money.
Any award, sweepstakes, lottery etc, will NEVER ask you to send an up front fee in order to get your $$$. This one seems to be playing on the fact it isn't too much $$ and hoping that more people will send in the $19.99. Multiply that by hundreds of people who are naive enough to think they may have won something, and the person who is scamming is making a nice profit.
I am sure you have to wire or Western Union this fee too?
Do not part with even a $1 to claim this fake prize.
Also, did you even ENTER any contest to WIN this money? Probably not!
thanked the writer.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
I just got a letter saying that i won $573,000.00 it seems so real, but i went online and did a research and guess what i found out . Im not the only person that got scam. Thanks for the internet that you can do research for this kind of things.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Its the biggest Hoax. I had this also. I did not fall for it because I was aware of other people getting scammed. Listen, if you won something, you don't have to pay for it because the fact that you won it is the investment in itself. If you send them the money, you will keep receiving bills saying you won this or that yet you will have a fee. You will never get the 1.4 million. That letter is not even from a valid location and the numbers are automated call centers that even a money hungry kid can set up. NO WAY. IT is not real even if for 1 cent. Don't do it. If you do, you will open up a can of whip ass trouble that will never end.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
NO! Anytime you have to send money to get money, it smells real bad. Hope you have heard about the scams where someone sends you a check and you get to cash it and send a portion back to them. You are the one responsible for that check if it doesn't clear. There are other scams out there as well.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I can beat that. I received that one for 1.4 mil and another one for 1.9 mil. In the same day.
Yeah. Send 19.99 ....oh I got carried away. Watch for this one, CASH & PRIZE LETTER GRAM 19.99. WOW in one day 3.3 mil all for just 40 bucks
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
The "Data Release Fee" is actually for a chance at entry into the $1.4 million contest. YOU HAVE NOT ACTUALLY WON! It's a cleverly worded letter to get you to pay the $19.99. There are many different "companies" out there that offer sweepstakes information and/or entry forms. I have never heard of any winners!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Thank goodness for the internet.  I could look this up as soon as I opened this letter to find out if it was for real or not.  How does the old saying go, "anything that sounds to good to be true, is."  I was excited and started dreaming for about oh, 2 minutes.  Oh well.  :(   If I didn't have the world wide web to check it out, I probably would have been stupid enough to send them the $19.99.   Thanks for the info.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I got one too and I am glad I googled it... Appreciate it guys. 1400000 sounds like good money. You shouldnt have to send money to win money. The funny thing is I didnt sign up for this. They did a good job on the letter head and looks pretty legit. Hoax stay away...
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
When I received this, like everyone else, I wondered about it.  Look on the back of the letter.  There is very "light" printing - which basically says that there will be no money sent and that you didn't win anything.  The money is for a report.  It is very light printing so that no one sees it, but because it is there - it's probably legal.  I'm so sick of these scams. 
Benny Patterson Profile
Benny Patterson answered
I got one this week also. I guess this has been going around for some time. Some of these posts are a few years old. I also received the sister scam they have going along with this one. I never heard of paying up front to get money you won and is rightfully yours. Check out scam busters website. They stay up on all this and if a internet scam or suspected scam just copy and paste it on their site and they run it for you instantly. They have a data base of scams and results are instant.
Clifton Graber Profile
Clifton Graber answered
Yes me 2 I  got one letter to I knew it was a scam. Because the addresses was not the same . So now we just sit an wait for them to pic up  the mail an see where they go.lol  and I got a p.I on it so I can  stop these ppl.   Ps. I will see them in court!!!  Tks. MR. Graber. "SO DO NOT SEND THEM MONEY"
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I have a copy of Document of Award Payment, Records 8274500-A271 and I had sign the paper and sent in my $19.99 along with my signature and address that was up to date.Witch I have heard nothing on it.It was a real surprise to me.I was not ask for my phone number.I was ask to make sure my address was correct and it was and complete and return this entire document.My check has all ready clear the bank.But still not heard notting.I would like to know if this is real. I had made a copy of this document File I.D. 2219259534. IT was a big surprise to me to get a letter like this.My letter was sent out on time. My husband told me not to hold my breath.We have never won anything
JERAMIE TESKY Profile
JERAMIE TESKY answered
I got one too  $1,400,000  I hav a TBI & HAVE BEEN scamed over & over, I am slowly getting my WISDOM back and not falling for them.  Maybe we should sew them & you& I get our 1,400,000.  Any attorny's out there that will work for us on a no fee till settelment basis, if you get the $1,400,000 for us both , I will pay you 25% uf my Award= $350,000 from me & if there person in your client & pays you 25% too that is a total of $700,000 yor you (maybe we could get them to pay court costs 2)
thanked the writer.
View all 6 Comments
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
I also got the same letter if there is someone out there I want to be part of the suit and my offer is the same.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
Hey!

I ready when ever you all are. I will be saving this letter for proof of false documentation. This is a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-y ridiculus.

Deemathis
tc  reynolds
tc reynolds commented
Yeah I have been getting the same sweepstakes bullcrap in the mail over n over 1 notice said we are trying to reach u 2nd notice said ur money is waitng n that's when I got curious. Where is the 1800 number nope not there about a return address nope not there either. That's when I threw it away. Ladies and gents if u get somthing in the mail and it doesn't come with a call back number or a address ITS FAKE!!!!
erin labate Profile
erin labate answered
Don't bother I got1 2 for the same amt I was looking 2 see if it was a hoax 2 I got my answer through you thanks.
Randy Nowakowski Profile
I just got my letter in the mail stating the same thing it must be another bs hoax it looks real, good job on the official looking letter head.
thanked the writer.
View all 5 Comments
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
It is all a fake
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
WOW! This thing is old then, huh? I'm seeing that others got it 2 years ago. This is my first one. I'm glad I saw that everyone got the same thing -- $1,400,000 -- just pay $19.99 -- yada yada. Oh well, I guess when times are this tough, all the scam artists bear their ugly heads!! Continue to comment, please, cuz I also get tons of emails about so-called prize winnings. I wish we could somehow stop these people.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
I got the same letter that I won $1,400,000.00. They just wanted 19.00 that could be use to buy a book for school. To bad we can't sue them.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
If it were for real... You wouldn't have to send them money!!!!! I can't believe people would actually send in money because they think they won money! WOW!!!! It's crazy that his scheme might actually work. Talk about SCARY!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
If it is a letter than I think it is but I don't know. I just trying to help and what did Walt Disney do to make a difference in California?
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Don't bother my friend...I got 1 of those letters too... :) thanks for posting this and let me know about this scam :)
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I just got a letter stating that I won a great deal of money from award payment.Is this is some sort of scam or con game?
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I just got the letter too said all the same stuff! It is almost believable... It looks so real! I was so hoping that it was, that sucks!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
NO, shred that and anything from canada, I got aa check stating the same thing, the bank said shred that trash
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I doubt it. Things like this happen all the time. They send it to thousand of people get tons of money, it is probably a big scam which will cause you to 20 dollars.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
It may be true so try it and if you don't get the money sue the company for the you gave them or the money they should have given you before you had to sue them
thanked the writer.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
Why send them anything? If you won let them take it out of the winnings. I received the same letter. Stating I won 1.4 mil. If that is true then why do i have to send them 19.99 just to receive the funds. Robert Richards or who ever is full of s--t. If they lived close i believe I would give them a 1.4mil can of whup ass
Debi Profile
Debi answered
Now you know its not, Did you enter a contest where the prize was $1400000.00?
I'll tell you what, send me the 20 bucks for being honest with you...... (wink)
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Haha, I got one of those too,1.4 million as well. I was about to fill it out, I'm glad I looked here first.
I would be nice if it was real though. Oh well
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
This is a scam, I would never believe this, if it is too good to be true, it isn't true!
Lena Miller Profile
Lena Miller answered
I contacted the BBB and they did not have anything on the company except for a lot of aliases so beware, You sometimes have to go a little farther than the BBB. I almost got GOT until I came to this site Thx everyone!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I got one to its a scam its not a phone number or website for this company its a scam
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Can this be for real? I just received letter in mail total saying I won 1,400.000.00 and to send 19.99
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I Received this also Letter From Award Payment Data Release Division Stating That I Won $1400000.00 And All I Had To Do Is To Send $19.99 Award Data Release Fee. Is This For Real? This is is a scam!
C2 Unknown Profile
C2 Unknown answered
That is usually a scam when people say that kind of stuff, they are just trying to scam you into getting that much money when really you'll get something else or it might be fake money or something.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Why doesn't the government do something to stop this.  My award letter came today.  Thanks for the info on the scam
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I just received the same letter a few days ago,I wish.thank god I looked this up,and read all of your comments,still I did think it was weird that they wanted money first.they should be in prison....
erin labate Profile
erin labate answered
Bont bother I just got 1 2 and I wanted 2 see if it was 4 real I was awarded the same amount I guess they r just sending them 2 everyone.
thanked the writer.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
I also got this letter , isn't this mail fraud?
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
Thanks, I received this letter and through your answer my mind is now clear that this is a hoax. They are sending this letter to everyone to extract $19.99. Think how much money they can make if every addressee sends them $19.99.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
Well, I got a letter stating that I won $1.400,00.00 also. I figured it was a fraud because the letter do not have an return address or number listed.

I am happy that I researched this document before sending any monies. I agree that this company should be brought to justice.
Russell Harris Profile
Russell Harris answered
I were also schem by this company (Data Release Division) and many others. Why haven't someone put a stop to this abusive act of injustice? I would like to get with someone and try and bring this company to its knees!
thanked the writer.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
is this against the law fraud and false advertisement and robbery so what can we do to stop this.my question is where the money go and if its a money order and you write it out award payment data release how can they cash that
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
Hey!

Now thats what I'm talking about. I received a letter today. Please lets us all get together with our letter, and bring these people to justice..........

I remain,
Deemathis
shon robin Profile
shon robin answered
I received this letter today and it said we had won $1,400,000 and to send $19.99, I knew it was false because I never even entered or have heard of DRD!
I wish that there was a way we all could get together and sue the pants off this scammer! It needs to at least be reported to BBB or the government because this is illegal!
Christina Profile
Christina answered
If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. It sounds like a scam to me but you can check it out on a web site called snoops.com they investigate all kinds of scams.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
They look so inviting, don't they? They made me dream for a few minutes as to what I'd do with the 1,400,000.00, nice, pretty blue logo at the top, ID number, D.R.D. Award Payment Data Release, signed by Robert Richards himself, so official, so inviting and I have no proof other then what everyone is writing here that the only person getting rich is the fraudulent makers of this letter. I have to say they almost had me until a little voice in my head told me to check them out.  How sad that they get away with doing this to people during this time of the year and during our hard times that the U.S. Is experiencing.  Does anyone know who to report this to and if so instead of writing it here lets all write to whom ever we need to, to get this STOPPED NOW!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Ok people really! If you win money for any reason, you DO NOT have to send money!   It is a SCAM!!! Look at how many people on here have received the same letter. Just think this is only the people who post it. These people are ripping people off and getting rich doing it. PLEASE DON'T FALL FOR IT!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I received the same letter I was almost tempted but decided that the mention on a news letter was the give away! I think the thing that stuck out the most was if it sounds to good to be true it is most likely since it's requesting me to send funds that the funds are not even there and if their prize check needs my purchase to mail to me it occurred to me the old saying your check ain't nothing but trash!  I don't think that I will regret not sending 19.95 I do not have too much faith in receiving a check that can not draw upon it;s self to contact me directly to say where I can go pick it up in person! Almost scammed JOHN in A2 Michigan
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Tell them to deduct the $19.99 from your $1,400,000.00 -, even tell them to deduct $10,000 for them to keep, see if they are willing to do that.Otherwise, then there might be chance that they the are one that will get $1,400,000.00- from around 700,000 internet users around the globe who willing to pay $19.99 in advance.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
It's funny how ppl think they can get away with stuff like this and not get in trouble for it...Every single one of us should stand up and say something about this...and those ppl who do this just to get rich quick are stupid and need to be found...
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Well, if you examine the letter closely, you will notice that the payer of the $1.4 million,
is no where to be found. Nor does it state the name of the sweepstakes involved.
Somebody spent a lot of time, and money printing these documents, and mailing them out,
for a meager $19.99 return. The scam artists must be confident that there are enough fools out there, to make there efforts profitable.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I just received one today also. I was think ing it must be a fraud since it didn't say why I won anything. I haven't signed up for any sweepstakes, it doesn't have a website nor anyone to call. Also anytime I see **** AUTO** ALL FOR" I get suspicious since the first word of the sentence means it has generated multitudes of the letter. I have a better  chance at the lottery.

Thank you for this board!
Jason Ikeme Profile
Jason Ikeme answered
Glad for your comments. Got the same mail today(03/14/11). 95% of my instincts knew it was a scam, but due to the economic meltdown, 5% of me wished it were true. I don't believe you need my money to give me a prize. If they had $1400000 to give as a prize, they should use part of it for the processing and give me the balance. Scam!!!!
MarknMichele Sabbie Profile
Do you know I have had this letter in my purse 4 6months and I thought to call them but no number.  I finally decided to clean my purse out. And then I put it in the computer.  And what do I find.....SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM...
MALLORIE BARRETT Profile
Hella yeah thank guys I got the same letter I just won 1,400,000.00 $ ONE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS..... So I had my kid to look it up on the internet thank Goodness for all you guys twenty dollars buys tissues paper and milk these days. As some of you pointed out I don't remember entering any sweepstakes.... I AGREE SCAM SCAM SCAM!!!!!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
YeAH me and my wife got the same letter saying the same thing I keep telling her its a scam but she wont believe me  you can't get something for nut thing these day these people are one of the reasons our world is so  screwd up
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Yes, this is data fraud!!! Contact the BBB and the Federal Trade Commission and whoever else so we can get these people shut down! Prize Info Bureau, Data Release Div., National Whateveritis, etc. - Don't give them any money. They can't stay in business if nobody sends them money, and don't be fooled: IT'S A SCAM.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I received the same letter  at first I thought it was a fraud because they wanted me to send  them money. When my thoughts were if I got over a million dollars why can't you take it out that money. Of course since I have the internet I checked it out and  I see we need to send these dummies to jail let's stick together.  

  PuddintanfromBMORE
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Just got one, good thing I'm so paranoid - before I even thought of signing anything I typed it into google and found this site. Look at the "check" very closely, have you ever seen a real check that said "Signer" instead of "Pay to the order of..."? And at the top of this suspicious-looking "check" it says "FILE" in bold letters. They have also made check-marks with blue ink in the spots they would like me to initial and sign my name, in the hope that I won't read it too closely. Newsflash, scammers, I don't even trust my doctors that much. I really do feel bad for the people who have received this letter and gotten too excited to read it through because they really need the money.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I just got the same letter .. The must really have a lot of money if everyone is receving this letter.. I will be more than happy to give them the 19.99 after they give me my 1,400,000.00  they always say  .. If it sounds too good to be true .. It really isn't .and the envelope has to have a stamp.. That alone tells you they can't afford it ..
Alpine Alpine Profile
Alpine Alpine answered
I was just curious about this company, not that I ever thought it was real, I was just surprised by their approach & format. Also while I was checking this scam out, I found another one, identical in approach and format, just different graphics & names, but the exact same idea. The other name is cash & Prize letter-gram from National Awards Cneter Executive Descisions Offices and Win-opportunity Head Quarters! Wow... Who would have thought these guys would not only make the scam in the first place, but make a 2nd one and send out out to the same people @ the same time! WOW!
Monica Rockaway Profile
Monica Rockaway answered
Thanks to all of you who were more cautious about their 19.99 if you are concerned about this being a scam please read:
Scammers Hope for a Lapse of Judgment
Number of mail fraud complaints skyrocketing
By Susan Hindman
you can google this and it has the same information plus numbers to call to report such scams.
Thanks again for your help!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Wow, I did to. If I have to put on the stamp and inclose a check to recieve money I won...... It should tell us something. I personelly wish I lived next to the PO where these returns are being sent. I am not a mean person, but  Someone would not like me.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Yes I recieved a letter stateing I won 1,400,000, and I want to know why you can't take the 19.99 out of the winnings?I also want to know am I really a winner.I also want to know the web cite where I can see and check out this mail, to see who is either scaming me or really payin me.I don't take scams very lite.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I have received the same letter on 7-13-10 stating I had won 1,400,000.00 All would have to do is confirm that I was that person with the amount of $19.99 and I would receive the payment. It is BS do not fall for it.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
No I received a letter that I won 125,000.00 and all I need to send is $7.00. Is this for real?
thanked the writer.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
I got the same letter and i was curious because letter seemed to be a fraud. Dont send any check to them. Because they will collect your 19.99 plus they will come to know your bank account number and routine number through your check. That is idenntity theft. Be careful. It is always better to google it before you do some thing like this.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I wonder if this for real or is this is something so someone is just trying to get something out of me
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
If you owe me 1.4 million dollars why do you need my 20?can't you just take it out of what is owed
Dot Dupuy Profile
Dot Dupuy answered
You need to take it to the Authorities and find out, most times, if something is too good to be true it's hoax, rip-off and illegal.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
What a rip off. How dumb to fall for something like this. They will have all your bank information.
I did not fall off the turnip truck today
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I just received a notice that states my wife and I are the winners of $1,400000.00 dollars and all we have to do is send $19.99 and I want to know is this for real.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I also received a letter and I'm glad I googled it cause I was unsure of the companies intentions thank you they should be reprimanded for there actions on innocent people!!!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Thanks for the heads up! Ive gotten several of those and hadn't and wasnt going to send it back either. If I had won any amount of money, I don't think I would have to send in anything.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I checked with authorities and any time you receive a winning letter requesting a payment is in fact a scam.  No one requires money up front if it is honest.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I got the same letter yesterday. This is really a scam. There is no contact information on the letter. I was wondering how they get our information. Please do not send any money for those swindlers. Shame of them.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I knew right away it was a scam, any time some asks for money they are up to NO GOOD.
I hope they get their lunch. When ever you win any thing you do not have to pay for it.
Thanks GOOGLE for your help.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
This is a hoax! Do not send money. Notice there is no legit. Add. Phone number or fax number...never send money for a gift or moneys you have won
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Thank you everyone. I just received a letter yesterday saying I had won $1,400,000.00. I thought it was probably a scam so I wanted to check it out. Now I'm glad I did.
Arlean Huth Profile
Arlean Huth answered
I reported the return postal address to US Postal Fraud. Mine was from P.O. Box 9035 Jericho, N.Y.
John Profile
John answered
I got mine but I did not have to send any money in...if you believe this I got a bridge to sell you in new york.
thanked the writer.
John
John commented
A guy from nigeria will give you ten thousand dollars if you cash his check for him.yeah right
shadow fighting Profile
shadow fighting answered
It's not a bad scheme when you think about it if you send out 10000 of these
letters and 5 in 10 go for it then that's an easy $100,000.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Thank you all for sharing your experience. I received 2 of these letters and my common sense told me 'why do I need to pay $19.99 to claim over a million dollars?' I'm glad I read your comments which confirmed my own doubt..
PPV, Maui
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Oh my god I just received the same latter for 1.4mil dollars,guys pls is this fake or real cus am confused now.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Well it is 8 17 10 and I sent in the 19.99 so,we will see what happends and I will let  you know!
Khanak Sharma Profile
Khanak Sharma answered
On this cute thing I have to say that yeh I did the same thing and I got more money you could also do the same thing  to have much, thanks for your time thanks a lot. vacature
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I just got one today,it's ashame they can do this as bad as the ecomomey is and people are vurnable,don't they know god is watching? Thanks for the heads up.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I was chosen as the "big winner". Of ten million $ My assistant then shows me how I could purchase, things that are in better, working order for less money. That are not post dated (by years). Stores are knowingly, releasing & allowing these pieces, to get them out of the way. So they'll have room for new stock. These "awards" that they are giving away, are older merchandise, that they are not  wanting to retain. You'll also be paying more, for these "awards" than one should have to, even if they where new.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Pupil Perform,undertake capacity primary representation other machine upper deep male press experiment play separate asset mile contribute demand quiet event though historical notion unfortunately legislation finger plan address drink corner connection extremely western quiet intend bear top rich status escape break laugh establishment application encourage that wish story roof other meet middle copy understand walk forget supply spend faith recover capable available significant around it rise future in nevertheless on normal offer she offer eventually relatively together mental regard disease due commit employer corporate wait generally rise western guest player survive bottom communication key direct as receive
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
This is what I found, when I received the letter too ...

Based on BBB files, this business has a BBB Rating of F on a scale from A+ to F. Reasons for this F rating include:

BBB concerns with the industry in which this business operatesBBB does not have sufficient information to determine how long this business has been operating10 complaints filed against businessBBB does not have sufficient background information on this business

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