Vallejo Times Herald:
It certainly looked like a real check, and who couldn't use $4,000?
But Farris Caldwell of Vallejo suspected the notice he got in the mail that said he'd won an international lottery - and the $4,000 check enclosed with it - were phony.
"I wasn't going to cash it," said the 77-year-old retired naval weapons station transportation foreman. "I took it to the bank and the lady there also thought it was a scam. She called the number on the letter and threatened to contact the police. The person hung up."
When a second letter, this one containing a $3,220 check, appeared in his mailbox, he was even more convinced he was the scam's intended victim. He brought the documents to the newspaper.
"I want to let the old people know to watch out for this," he said.
Law enforcement officials say Caldwell is right. It's a scam. And it's one of a growing number of similar frauds by which people are being victimized by mail, phone and e-mail.
The Sacramento area FBI field agent on duty Friday said she gets several calls about such cons every time she works the desk.
"It's a Nigerian scam that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they each try to get you to send them money for an administration fee or other fee," said the agent, explaining that FBI duty agents aren't supposed to give their names.
The agent said Caldwell's version seems to be a variation on several well-known frauds.
"Sometimes they tell you a relative has died and ask for money for processing the inheritance," she said. "Or they say you've won a prize or it's about buying or selling on eBay."
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This guy took the right steps but there are many like him who receive checks like this in the mail who aren't so intuitive. Everyone should look out for these types of scams and be aware of them. Great post.
Posted by: Michelle Dunn | June 27, 2006 2:53 PM | Permalink to Comment