SUBJECT: Fraud 

Date: May 12, 2006

The Post Falls Police Department has received two Fraud reports in the last week. In both cases, the victims were notified by mail that they had won cash prizes in excess of $100,000.00 each. Accompanying the notifications were checks written to the victims. The letters stated the checks were intended to cover the victim’s fees and taxes. The victim’s were instructed to cash the checks and then wire the funds to the company.

The victims in both cases cashed the checks and wired the money to separate individuals in Canada . These checks were fraudulent and the victims bank accounts were subsequently charged the full amount which was $2,346 in one case and $2,900 in the other.

It is recommended by local financial institutions that the entire letter and check are brought into the bank for verification prior to participating in any sort of “contest” that requires a citizen to cash checks. If you have been the victim of a similar scam please contact the Post Falls Police Department.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Detective Smith

AUTHOR: Detective Brenda Smith