A familiar scam has reportedly surfaced in the Jamestown area again.
The scam, which involves a victim receiving one or more postal cashier's checks in the mail, is one which has been seen in the area in the past. The checks are accompanied by specific step-by-step directions of what to do with the checks in an attached letter.
The letter explains that the victims are being asked to be "secret shoppers," and that they will be compensated for their efforts. The victims are directed to deposit a portion of the money in their own bank account and to then cash the remainder of the check. They are then directed to wire the cashed portion of the money to an out of state or out of country location. The scam comes into play when the original cashier's checks bounce, leaving the victim responsible to the bank where it was cashed.
This type of scam is extremely difficult for law enforcement to investigate due to the difficulty in tracing an actual suspect. The return addresses are usually fictitious and in another state or country.
Anyone who receives one of these letters is asked to refrain from cashing the check. Most financial institutions are aware of the scam and are on alert for these checks, but if one is cashed, the victim could be liable for the money when the check eventually bounces.
If you receive one of these letters, please contact your local law enforcement agency. The Jamestown Police Department tip line can be reached at 483-8477.