More warnings about local direct mail scams
Farson area residents targeted
by Sweetwater Count y Sheriff’s Office
December 2, 2008
Sweetwater County Undersheriff Craig Jackson issued another citizen advisory concerning direct-mail scams.
"We’ve received reports from residents in the Farson area regarding scams that are similar to the "Publishers Sweepstakes Commission, Inc." mailings that people are receiving but are from different groups," Jackson said. "The bottom line is this: different groups, same scam."
Jackson explained that the con follows the same basic strategy. People receive mailed notices that they have won or are entitled to a large amount of money, usually $250,000 to $500,000 or more. Included with the notice is what appears to be a legitimate check made out to them for anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000. The notice instructs the person to deposit the check in their account right away and to then contact a "Claim Representative" or other member of the organization to claim their winnings.
"That’s when the victim gets hit," Jackson said. "They are told they need to mail or cable several thousand dollars to the organization or even hand over a check to a "special courier" in order to cover "administrative costs" or "processing fees," after which they can claim their winnings. The bogus check they have deposited is, of course, worthless, and the victim is then out the funds they sent or handed over."
Jackson reiterated points made in an earlier Sheriff’s Office advisory circulated in the media several days ago.
"It’s the holiday season," he reminded citizens. "Scammers count on victims who want to provide their families a nice Christmas, which makes them vulnerable. People should always remember the best defense against con artists: If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is."
For more information contact Detective Dick Blust, Jr., Public Information Officer, Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, phone: 307-922-5294, blustd@sweet.wy.us .
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Editor's Note: We haven't heard of this scam yet in Sublette County. If anyone locally has received suspicious direct mail, we'd appreciate hearing about it. Also, please report it to our local Sublette County Sheriff's Office.
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