Full Notification

SCAM's are everywhere now-a-day's… They’re in the mail, on the phone, and everywhere on the internet and in your e-mail – even on your smartphone.

Recently, a village resident has received mail returned to their address that had been written on an envelope in pen, with no name. The envelope was addressed to a subject in another state, and marked “RETURN TO SENDER” by the Postal Service.

Inside each envelope was an authentic looking business check, printed with an actual bank and company name, and in the memo line was written – “instant cash”.

The resident followed the appropriate measures, knowing no one from their address sent the parcels of mail to the addressee - and turned the matter and mail items over to the Police.

We were able to track down both companies listed on the checks, as well as the banks, which were all in fact confirmed legitimate institutions, however all involved confirmed the matter to be a scam.

SCAMS of this type have been known to originate on websites like craigslist. Someone will solicit an assistant, or the help of someone, and will send them a check in the mail, ask them to cash the check and wire (i.e., Western Union) the money to them, as they claim to be out of the country on business… Shortly thereafter, it will be found by the recipient’s bank that the check was infact a fraud, and they will be held accountable to re-pay the bank the amount of the check, and fees.

• Never take action on a check or item of mail you were not expecting or can confirm.
• Never become involved with any type of activity which will result in you having to cash a check and wire money to anyone.
• Never share your personal or banking information with anyone on the telephone or online, or anyone you cannot confirm their identity as legit.

Just remember.. If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is!

If you suspect you have been involved in a SCAM, call the Whitehall Police Department at (518)499-1316, or your local Police Department, Sheriff's Office, or State Police barracks.

We have posted an informational form on our website for victims of Identity Thefts, on which agencies to contact. The form is available on our website at www.WhitehallPolice.org , under Forms.

For the latest tips and up to date SCAM information, check the FBI’s site at: http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/e-scams .