MNA said that letters claim to be “Consumer Prize Award Notifications,” and were received by consumers in at least nine states. The letters instruct consumers to deposit the enclosed “Michelin check” and then issue a new check in the same amount from the consumer’s bank account to cover the supposed taxes and administrative fees associated with their prize.
Letter recipients are also told they will then receive another check and details on their prize winnings. Contact information on the letters lists a Canadian address.
MNA stated flatly that those “Michelin checks are completely fraudulent. Michelin has absolutely no involvement in any program or sweepstakes of this nature.”
“Since yesterday, Michelin has received more than a dozen calls about the scam,” company officials said. “The company has alerted the appropriate law enforcement officials in the U.S. and Canada and is working with authorities to find those responsible and hold them accountable.”
The tiremaker also said that any consumer receiving such a letter “or other communication of this type” should immediately contact local law enforcement authorities. IN addition, consumers receiving suspicious Michelin checks are asked to contact the company toll free at 1-800-MICHELIN.
