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Fake check scam prompts warnings from police |
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Saturday, 12 July 2008 |
By BRIAN HAWKINS
Starkville Daily News
Starkville Police Department detectives are urging local residents not to fall for a fake check and money order scam that has reared its head locally this week.
Police have responded to at least three reported incidents where residents received MoneyGram or Western Union checks in amounts ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, cashed the checks at local banks and then sending a portion of the money back to a specified address for various reasons.
Ultimately, the checks have proven to be fake, and those residents who cashed them have been left responsible for covering the amounts of the check with individual banks, said SPD Sgt. Steve Lyle.
"We've had reports of this Monday, Thursday and today involving at least two local banks," said Lyle on Friday. "People are being left holding the bag after cashing what they thought was a legitimate check."
Police detectives believe there are other incidents of the scam that have yet to be reported.
"People need to be careful. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. No one will give you free money, especially if you didn't enter any contest," Lyle said.
With the economy in flux and many costs — particularly for gasoline — rising, a rise in check fraud and similar scams is possible, said SPD Capt. Frank Nichols.
"Criminals aren't out looking for a job, just a quick payout, so they're increasing their illegal activities," Nichols said.
Police detectives are also investigating other incidents of check cashing fraud that have been reported by some local businesses, Lyle said.
Business owners and employees can take precautions against being defrauded by asking for photo identification of someone attempting to cash a check or pay for merchandise with a check, Lyle said.
Business owners and employees can also call the bank on which the check is drawn to verify legitimacy of the account, Lyle said.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 13 July 2008 )
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