"You May Have Already Won!" - John Hancock Does Damage Control

Not a winner? Say it ain't so, John!:

The California Channel, which broadcasts Legislative meetings on cable TV, on Wednesday became the second local entity to reveal that it is the victim of the British International Lottery scam.

People have received letters telling them they won $95,000 - and that to receive their winnings, they must first cash an enclosed check for $2,998 that appears to be from the California Channel.

... "My goal is to get this posted on the Internet, so people will know that this is a scam," said John Hancock, president of the nonprofit, California Channel.

Too bad about that scam. Sad - all those ripped-off people. No use feeling glum, though. In the meanwhile, I've WON 2.5 million pounds, a whole lot more than $95,000, and it doesn't involve the California Channel at all, so it must be legit!:

BRITISH AMERICAN ONLINE LOTTERY COMMISSION
CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT.
*******************************************
REGENT'S PARK,LONDON NW1 4NS,UNITED KINGDOM
*******************************************
Ref: BAOL/19823108/05/DON
Batch: 23/012/4774

Attn: winner

We are pleased to announce to you the draw of the British American Online Lottery International programs held on the 4th of April 2006 (04/04/2006) in London. Your e-mail address attached to the following numbers listed below:

Ticket number: 2314759773 914
Serial Number: 19445/02
Drew the Lucky Numbers: 04-07-50-16-20-01

The above listed numbers subsequently make's you one of the bona fide winner of the lottery promo in the 2nd category. You have therefore been approved to claim a total sum of GBP£ 2,500,000.00 (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand, British Pounds) in cash credited to file BAOL/19823108/05/DON.