I Got My Checks From Everygame.....but Is It Legit?

I got my checks today (8/2) from Everygame!! I was SO excited!!! I immediately went to cash 1 of the checks, but I had to go to a Money tree because I don't have a bank right now (long story..but that is also why I asked for my payout VIA paper check). The check says it is from "Automated Systems, LTD" That is what is printed on the check in the upper left hand corner. There is no address underneath the name, but it also says "Rebate Trust". It says that the bank it was issued from is "Citizen State Bank" in Minnesota.

So I go to the money tree and the first thing the woman asked was, "Do you work for Automated Systems?". I told her no and she asked why I received a check from them (like it's any of her business). Well I got a little awkward because I'm not quite sure of the online gambling laws here in California ...so I simply said I "won" it. I figured if i just left it at that she could think I won a contest or a sweepstakes or something. So then she calls information and asks for " Automated Systems LTD" , they didn't have a listing. Then she asks for "Citizens State Bank" in Minnesota. She calls and got no answer. It was around 5:00 PM here and 8:00 over there so I figured they would be closed. Then she tells me that she can't cash it unless she can verify it from the bank. I told her I would return the next morning during business hours on the East Coast.

Then she tells me to hold on and goes into the back room. She comes out a few minutes later and tells me, "I can try tomorrow, but she's pretty sure it won't be verified because she has come across a few checks from this bank and they are fake". She asked me if it came with a letter, she made me show her the certified envelope it came in (which I paid $50 twice to have it sent). She also told me that I shouldn't go trying to cash the check all over town because I would be considered an accessory to their counterfiting operation. For a minute I thought she was going to keep the check too. But she didn't.

So here's the thing....I can understand having to verify the check before they cash it, that's no big deal. I do admit the check looked a bit shady with no address, city or state for the company. I trust Everygame 100
nd I contacted support about this and the lady was just kind of like .."oh...i've never heard of that happening....you should open a bank account".

I know when I was given a tracking number for my checks I went to a site called "EZPay". This "EZPAY" was also printed on the check in between the company name and the bank name. So I went to their website. On the home page it said "check verification for check cashers". I clicked on it and entered the check number. It came back saying my full name, the amount of the check, and that the funds are guaranteed. I called the money tree and told the woman about it and she said the website was run by the counterfeiters and there are a lot of scams on the internet right now.

So now I'm scared to go there or anywhere else to try to cash the check. I'm also not exactly sure of the law here in California regarding online gambling. I was afraid to say "Everygame" because I didn't know if they are allowed to send me winnings here in California....uggghhh!! Anyways, I was hoping someone would have some information for me regarding the Gambling laws and if you have ANY advice on where I should cash the check....I WOULD LOVE IT!!!!!!! Sorry for rambling on!!!

THanks,
Amy

RELAX & KNOW THAT CK IS GOOD & LEGAL!! Everygame is a great legit place!

Never go into any check cashing place acting...unsure!! Fraud is @an ALL-TIME-HIGH now.

Call Everygame here: 1-866-546-0406

Amy i wish you the best of luck, i hope it all works out for you!

its getting to be such a pain, not just gambling online, but if you win,

will you get paid, and how long will it take? if i didn't luv slots so

much, i'd just give it all up!!! luvslots

Dear Amy,

I would strongly advise getting a bank account set up if you can - this will make things much much easier for you.

There may be another way for them to pay you (electronically) - perhaps via the Everygame Cash Card (ask if they can set you one up - I think they stopped allowing new applications now but you could try), or perhaps one of their other electronic methods like UseMyWalllet (QuickTender) - but you'd need to get that set up via them also.

BUT .. if you do want it paid via a different method, I expect they'll want the check back (which may cost you to send) ...

I'm sorry but that's all I can suggest at the moment.

Regards,
Geno/CC

Thanks for your suggestions and encouragement! I'll keep you posted!