Carson City Sheriff's Office warns of check, money order scams
If you find yourself the recipient of a check or money order for a large sum of money, chances are that the check or money order is part of a scam, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office warns.
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office has received several reports of victims selling products using online programs, such as Craigslist, being contacted by an unknown buyer who sends a check or money order for an amount over the asking price.
The buyer then asks the seller to mail or wire the excess cash back to a bank account (oftentimes this account is held overseas in a country with no extradition agreement with the United States).
Also, lottery scams are increasing as well. The “pitch” is to have the winner pay for a portion of the taxes before payment is made.
So, how do you protect yourself? Follow these simple tips to avoid would-be scammers:
• Deal locally with people you can meet in person
• Never send money through a wire service for a sales transaction
• Never give out your financial information (bank account number, social security number, etc.)
• Avoid the use of an unknown third-party escrow service to facilitate the exchange of money and merchandise
For more information, visit the Internet Fraud Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. File a report with IC3, the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov and your local police department.
— Captain Ken Sandage, Carson City Sheriff's Office