they claim i won 125,000.00 and sent me a check for 3875.00 is it a scam?

Well, did you enter any contest in which 125,000 was a prize?  If not (and probably even if you did), then it's a scam!  Take the check to your bank and they will probably confirm that it is fake.

I received this scam today.  Just researching the "hook", the check looks very real - made out for $3875 from Aires Pharmaceuticals, the letter is a form letter form "Waterhouse Financial Services" and the cheap looking envelope is marked "Global Maxfin Investments".  Right there it smells bad.  It says you won an on-line powerball that you never entered in the first place. They try very hard to get you by saying they are affiliated with numerous legit business like Target, JC Penney etc.  Others on this site have received the same scam, they get you by asking for the "tax" on your winnings and then the initial check bounces once they receive your good check.  Crooks!

I received this one today also. Same deal except I won 175,000. Check is from Aires Pharmaceuticals. The letter head is from Inter American Promotions Inc. I plan on calling Aires tomorrow and advise them about it.
Mine came in a Capitol One envelope.

I got 1 today 6-19-2013
It says it's from SAFEWAY INC. US COPORATE in Pleasanton,CA.
In the sum of $3,875.00 .
This is a Effed up way to screw with someone especially when you don't have much money as it is.