, I am glad tohave found your website as I believe I

Hello, I am glad tohave found your website as I believe I am in the middle of a clever scam. I"m an educated man [former teacher] but have unfortunately "taken the bait" from a scammer before . About 1 week ago, I received a call from a lady who claimed I had won a 2nd place prize from American Seepstakes Network months ago but had never followed up with a response thru the mailings. She [Anna] very graciously was giving me the opportunity to still claim the prize. supposed prize amounted to $450,000.00. Anna went on to explain that they had problems with people being scammed in the past and now are assigning winners with a special Case # ***** she assigned to me to prevent this. Asked if I were aware of the Patriot Act passes during Pre. Bush's reign which says any amt over $250,000 must be registered and insured. This amount was .65% of winnigs or $2,950.00. I was then referred to the Dept of Consumer of Regulatory Affairs "representative" George Pratt or the "Special Fed Agent" who explained how I was obligated o pay this amt through the US Postal Service with Money Orders and sent Overnite Express to a Michagan address. George was very professional in explaining the whole process necessary to expedite the process and receiving the big check. Explained that this was a 72 hr. process. He explained that upon delivery of my prize check , I would receive a C-11 TaxForm that would t ake care of the Taxes on my winnings that mounted to $126.000. This meant that the $450,000 was tax free. I had 30 days to send this in. Referred back to Anna and was axplained that BRINX Armour Vehichle would deliver on a specific date set up between 2 and 4 PM.. Anna called back to reassure that all was set and corrieur would call a half Hour before to check address, etc. The morning of delivery, Anna called with rather frantik voice saying she was trying to contct me as a problem came up. Referred me back to George Pratt who went on to explain that Prize Check is on the ground but is being held upby Homeland Security[US Customs]. According to Mr. Pratt, this is due to Oboma's Health Care Reform act and they are requesting 2%-5% of winnings to release this check. This would amount to $9,000 , to be paid by me and non-refundable- Also paid thru Money Orders,etc. This really sent up a Red flag for me. I then contacted Dept of Consumer Affairs and talked to someone who assured me this was a Scam and that GeorgePratt does not workfor them. Next A M [This morning] received a call from an attorney in New York City, explaining that he was notified about my winning and the problem that existed, etc. I was still very sceptical as he explained the way scammers opporate,what to look for,and why this is a legitamate prize etc. Gave his address i NYC, phone #, encouraged me to visit him ,etc. --all very convincing. Expained that he was not attempting to convince me one way or another. Said I would have 30 days to decide yes or no, it No he would send the proper paper work to disqualify me so that the prize $ could be given elsewhere. Call him any time w/ questions, etc. Said that he would contact Mr. Pratt and that they can pay for securing prize in meantime. So this is where I stand--75% convinced that this is a Scam--Maybe 25% that its not. Lawyer gave me a bit of his background as well- said he graduated from Stamford Univ. etc. All seemed very professional and polite in conversations etc. I apologize for the length of this message, but need to have your Professional advice and reassurrance on this Wanted to give you lot of details. Thank you for you good advice--Gordon Krick {*****@******.***]