Chilliwack RCMP are again warning residents to watch out for scammers trying separate them from their money.
Police recently received a complaint from a business owner whose services were requested through an email.
A deal was struck and the man was mailed a cheque for the services.
But when the cheque arrived it was for twice the amount agreed to.
The overpaid amount was then requested to be sent back to man who sent the original cheque.
In this kinds of cases, the cheque often turns out to be fake once it’s processed and the victim is out the money returned to the scammer.
“Fortunately, in this case,” said Cst. Ashley St. Germaine, “the cheque was refused by the bank and no money was sent to the would-be scammer.”
Chilliwack RCMP would like to provide the following tips to help people avoid becoming victims:
• Be aware of amounts received that are higher than the price asked
• Be vigilant when you receive a cheque, whether certified cheque, traveler’s cheque, gift cheque or money order. Scammers use the names of banks, financial institutions and other entities issuing cheques
• Ask yourself why a complete stranger would send you a cheque for any amount? Be vigilant, it could be a scam!
If you have any information regarding these types of crimes call the Chilliwack RCMP, or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
