Today I recv. A check in the mail with a letter claiming I have won $25,000 from my online app to Publishers Clearing house. The check is real (not a fake) and I did fill out a application online for Publishers Clearing House about 2 months ago. I've been reading about these scams on the internet, but I DID fill out a sweepstakes form for publishers clearing house. The check is from Santa Barbara Bank and Trust for $975.00 for a insurance processing fee under the "Endorcement Act"(? ) Any suggestions on how to find out this is for real?

Bank it and don't spend any of it for at least 3 months to ensure it is real.
If after this time it clears and is accessible then move it to a saving account and leave it for a further 6 months at least.

Least if it is fake you will be able to pay it back and keep any interest earned ;)

IGNORE EVERYTHING I HAVE JUST WRITTEN.

This is a total scam.
DON'T bank the cheque at all!!

This is basically money laundering with fraudulantly acquired cheques.
I bet the instructions go something like this.
1/ Bank enclosed cheque and send money to some dodgey address.
2/Once received the "Prize" will be released to you.


Yeah right !