(LAUREL, Del.) - If it's too good to be true, then it probably is.
Laurel Police say a resident reported receiving a letter and a fake check for $2,760 in the mail. The letter claims the resident is now part of a secret shopper service and must complete their first assignment.
Here's how the scam works: a letter and fake check are sent to the victim. The letter directs the victim to cash the check into their personal banking account, then deduct a "$250 salary" reward for themselves. The scammer then tells the victim to retrieve two money grams from two different stores and mail them to a given California address.
The victim is asked when they purchase the money grams, they email specific information to evaluationreport@hotmail.com and evalutiontreport@gmail.com. This information includes cashier names, name and address of the store the money gram was purchased from, and the reference number for the transfer.
Laurel Police say it's not until several days or weeks later when the checks are sent to the bank listed on the check, it is discovered the account is either closed or does not exist or the routing number is invalid. The checks are then returned to the consumers banks and over draft fees are incurred.
Laurel Police tell neighbors to be cautious when cashing checks from unknown senders. They say if you're still unsure, double check with your bank.
Dion Williams, president and CEO of Del-One Federal Credit Union, also says be skeptical if you receive anything in the mail.
"It really comes down to guarding one's personal information and being skeptical about anything that is unsolicited or seems too good to be true," said Williams.
Other tips Williams tells consumers include:
- Do not give out checking account or other personal information over the phone, especially when you did not initiate the call.
- When paying bills, use online bill pay or if a check must be mailed, take the envelope to the Post Office directly as some fraudsters will take envelopes right out of a residential mailbox.
The Laurel Police asks anyone who receives these letters and checks in the mail to use caution and report the incident to police. If you decide to cash the checks, please ensure your banking facility is aware of the circumstances and obtain their advice prior to depositing them to avoid any over draft fees.
