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• Additional Info:

  In November 2020, BBB investigated Molinaro's FIF Ltd after receiving a report the business is operating a Sweepstakes Scam.
  
  Consumers are being contacted through postal mail and advised they are the winner of the "SUPERMARKET CUSTOMER SWEEPSTAKES RAFFLE DRAW" of which the share is $980,000.00. The notification includes a cheque for "processing/clearance" fees in the amount of $8995.66 drawn on an account under the name Molinaro's F.I.F. LTD. Consumers are instructed to contact Goodluck Goodman, the prize claim manager, to verify and payout the winnings.
  
  BBB has been advised by the actual business, Molinaro's Fine Italian Foods Ltd, that their business name and company cheques have been compromised and are being used by unauthorized individuals to perpetrate this scam.
  
  BBB suggests consumers exercise extreme caution when responding to unsolicited mail regarding lottery, sweepstakes, inheritance, and foreign money offers. If you have received a letter as described above, DO NOT cash any cheques and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by clicking here or by calling 1-888-495-8501 to report the information.
  
  Tips to Spot This Scam:
  
  - You've got to play to win. A notification that you have won a prize in a contest you do not remember entering should be a red flag. Keep track of all sweepstakes entries so it's easy to check if a legitimate contest-related company is confirming winnings. When entering, read the fine print and rules for how prizes are claimed.
  
  - Don't pay upfront fees to claim a prize. No legitimate sweepstakes company will ever ask to pay a fee or buy something to enter or improve the chances of winning -- that includes paying "taxes," "shipping and handling charges," or "processing fees" to get a prize.
  
  - Cheques will bounce after the bank allows the account holder to withdraw cash from the deposit. Cheque processing is a confusing business, as is the terminology. Even if a bank representative tells you that a cheque has "cleared" you can't be sure it won't be detected as a fake weeks later. One thing you can be sure of is that you will be on the hook for any funds drawn against the amount.
  
  - Be suspicious of irregular communication. Real sweepstakes will not notify you via text or bulk mail. They will not send a check in the mail without first confirming with you. And you won't be notified that you are a winner and have to respond or act within 24 hours to collect your prize.
  
  Please use the following link for additional information regarding Sweepstakes Scams: BBB Tip: Sweepstakes Scams