Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Grand jury indicts Plano man with mail fraud and making false statements in used car sales

A federal grand jury in Dallas indicted Massoud Mortazavi-Koupai of Plano with six counts of mail fraud and three counts of making a false statement on transfer of a used motor vehicle, related to a fraudulent scheme which included concealing structural damage and odometer discrepancies. It is anticipated that Mortazavi-Koupai, 46, will surrender to federal authorities and then appear before a U.S. magistrate judge.

But after closer examination of the award notification, the Mayfield councillor smelt a rat.

The letter, claiming to be from the El Mundo Spanish Sweepstake Lottery Company, said Councillor Boyes had won 8.8 million euros (Ł5.9m).

However, Councillor Boyes said, more worryingly, the letter asked the winner to keep their success quiet until the claim had been processed.

"When I first opened it I thought 'what the hell is this?' It says you have won this but you pick up it is a scam.
"Once I read it I realised the letter asks you not to make it public until you give them your bank account details. Before you know it, your bank account is emptied," claimed Councillor Boyes.

"My concern is for young families or the elderly. When this pops through the door you have nobody to turn to."

... Full Story

Spanish lottery scam warning

Grand jury indicts Plano man with mail fraud and making false statements in used car sales