Full Notification

SCAM ALERT/PUBLIC ADVISMENT

On Tuesday, January 30th 2018 at approximately 1:00 PM, Anderson Police Officers were dispatched to a report of a possible fraudulent document. Officers met with a concerned citizen who brought the documents to the Anderson Police Department for inspection. Officers inspected a check and an instructional pamphlet which the officers determined to be fraudulent and a scam.

The pamphlet which looked to be an official Wal-Mart document instructed the citizen to take the check to Wal-Mart and do a MoneyGram transfer of $1218.00 and then transfer the money to a male subject in Atlanta, Ga. The document claimed part of the check was payment for being a secret shopper at Wal-Mart and for evaluating the experience and service of the business.

Officers responded to the Anderson Wal-Mart where they met with management who confirmed both the check and pamphlet were fraudulent and not associated with Wal-Mart. Management did advise they do have a secret shopper program run through a third-party company, but does not use a MoneyGram transfer for payments.

The Anderson Police Department wants to keep the public informed of these types of scams in an effort to help our citizens from being victimized.

Things to look for on scams:

• The money transfer goes to a private party.
• The money transfer is usually out of state or country.
• The majority of the money is directed to be transferred to the criminal.
• The scammer will put time lines or deadlines in place with short notice.
• Most major companies will not ask you to do something out of pocket and provide your portion after they have received theirs.
• You should always check with the company prior to taking any action.
• If it seems too good to be true it usually is.

The Anderson Police Department would like to remind the public, if you believe it could be a scam contact your local authorities and we will gladly inspect and document the incident.