While Postal Money Order scams are rapidly increasing in number, check swindles are still one of the most common forms of fraud.
On Thursday, September 7, Gary Ruehmann, Richville, received a check in the mail for $2,997.95. Enclosed with the check was a letter stating that he was one of the winners of the British Random Draws International.
According to the letter, he had been approved to win $85,500.00 and needed to use the assistance check sent to him to pay for the international clearance fees of $2,847.50. He was asked to contact his lottery claim agent (with an address in Winnipeg) and pay the fee before September 18.
Perham Police Chief Brian Nelson shared how this is a common trend with the people running these scams. They frequently run checks through Canada because there is an imposed 30 day waiting period.
Nelson explained how people use this same scheme when purchasing items over the internet. They will send the person selling an item a counterfeit check for more than the purchase amount, pretend that the mistaken amount was an error, and then ask that the seller send them the overpay back.
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The seller then sends the person running the scam a real check, only to later realize that the check they were given is worthless. The victim of the scam is then out the amount that was sent to the buyer, in addition to the item sold.
"It is so difficult to catch these people," said Nelson. "They are insulated and they rely on the anonymity of the web." If you are curious about the validity of a check, he suggests having your bank call the bank that the check is from. They will be able to confirm if it is legitimate.
