Mel, there would be a routing number on the check. Call your bank and give them that number. They can tel you exactly where it came from. Give the letter to your bank so they can report it.

Yes, it's a scam.

This is what happens. The check gets cashed or deposited in your bank. Which your own money has to cover. You then spend money in the stores indicated. Wire them back money. Which was supposed to be covered in the check the check they sent you.

Then you find out the check bounced. You have wired them money that you can't get back. You account goes in the hole for the amount of the check plus fees.

Total scam that people fall for daily.

Use this site to check the number:
http://800notes.com/