Alston & Bird, LLP/ HSBC

Victim Location 39176

Type of a scam Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

I received a call from a man named, "Wiliam Alston k/a Bill" stating, "You have won second prize in an international sweepstakes drawing for $500,000." "I am the attorney Alston & Bird in New York representing my client regarding your winnings from (first publishers clearing house then HSBC)". He was very knowledgable about HSBC; however, the information is pubic knowledge on the website. "Bill" informed me that the taxes from the IRS would be around $213,000.00 but his firm has decreased the taxes to $65,000.00. "Bill" also stated, "A certified courier would deliver my check to my home after I paid the remaining amount of taxes $1,950.00." I informed him that I did not have that amount of money even if I got paid. He continued to call relentlessly day after day until he got down to me paying $210.00. He gave me the name, Tonya Hughes, who was a past winner that was going to help me and if anyone called asking about her I was to state, "She is a personal friend loaning me money and I am not going to give out information about my personal friend." He also gave me a number to the Federal Trade Commission which was fake and told me not to contact them because they were very unfriendly. "Bill" then told me I could pay HSBC, not Tonya, back within two months at zero percent interest.

When I told "Bill" that I could only come up with $25.00 and if I actually won then the Federal government would take out my taxes up front and the money should just be here, he became irritated and stated, "If you want to hire your own attorney then do so but I am the one who deals with international sweepstakes and have been doing so for the last ten years."

I contacted Alston & Bird, LLC and associates and they replied, "We do not have anyone here working by that name." "You are not the first person who has called here and asked." I also contacted HSBC and a lady confirmed that HSBC does not have an international sweepstakes she is aware of.

First and foremost I am aware that it is illegal to participate in an international sweepstakes (especially one I do not remember participating in) and if you will any amount of money over $500.00 you are not notified by a phone call and ask to pay any amount. Caller ID revealed the following two names and numbers, "Atty Law LLC 1-845-289-1049 and Law Firm INC 1-302-281-2704." The first number was confirmed to be Alston & Bird’s fax number per staff and the other was a Delaware number. Both Alston & Bird and HSBC should find these people and file a suit against them putting them in prison for preying on those in need.