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E-mail fraud scam alert
The Cranbrook RCMP have been notified of what appears to be another email fraud scam.
This most recent email was received by a Cranbrook resident on their e-mail. The fraud is rather long-winded but at the end of the email there is a request for specific personal information. Within the e-mail text are instructions on how to shop for this person who advises that a cheque will be forwarded to pay for the purchases.
The RCMP would like to remind people that in previous e-mail and mail scams of this type, there was a request to purchase items on behalf of the fraudster and as promised, a cheque was forwarded to pay the bills. These cheques were typically good enough to be deposited into the victim’s personal bank account, which increased the account balance for a few days until the cheque was determined to be counterfeit or fraudulent at which time it was declined or bounced. By this time the money would have been withdrawn with amounts sent or wired back to the fraudster. These cheques were typically made out for more than what was needed, with the fraudster claiming to have made a mistake and asking for the remaining money to be sent back to them. Once the cheque is deposited and money withdrawn, if that cheque is later declined by the bank, it is the person who cashed the cheque that is responsible for repaying money to the bank.
The Cranbrook RCMP would like to remind people that no matter the circumstances, do not agree to deposit a cheque from a stranger and wire money back to them. If the cheque bounces, you will owe the bank any money that you withdrew. A good motto to remember is if it looks too good to be true, it probably isn’t true.
The Government of Canada maintains an ‘anti-fraud’ website: www.phonebusters.com which lists the many different frauds in Canada and is a good resource to consult.
If anyone has any additional information about this or any other crime they can call the Cranbrook RCMP at 250-489-3471 or East Kooteney Crimestoppers (1-800-222-TIPS).
You can also Google Cranbrook Crimestoppers and leave a webtip
Cpl P.E.(Pat) Prefontaine
Cranbrook RCMP
