The McCracken County Sheriff’s Department is warning the public about a new SCAM that has been reported in the area.
Over the last two days, multiple reports have been made to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department regarding individuals receiving packages via mail containing a “check” and instructions to evaluate the shopping experience at retail stores. Two of the reported contained identical letters with instructions of how to report the receipt of the check, deposit the checks, withdraw the funds immediately and purchase Wal-Mart gift cards. The recipient is then instructed to make contact with a listed number and provide the card number and security code. The letter instructs
the recipient to keep a portion of the funds for their assistance in the evaluation. Once the evaluation is “completed”, the recipient is advised that they will receive more checks in the future.
THIS IS A SCAM AND THE CHECKS ARE FRAUDULENT
The packages reported to law enforcement thus far have been a United States Postal Service priority mail flat rate envelope, red and white, with a clear window and a computer generated tracking/mailing information placed in the window.
The checks contained in the package appear to be legitimate; however, they are counterfeit in nature. Multiple checks received also appear to use identical card stock in the production of the checks, although multiple banks and credit unions have been listed as the servicing financial institution.
The McCracken County Sheriff’s Department asks that citizens be aware of this SCAM and to report to law enforcement the receipt of packages such as this. Currently, detectives are working with agencies across the country to attempt and locate the origin of the scam.
