Klamath County, Oregon – The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office recently sent a strong public notice alerting the community of a developing fraud aimed at citizens via mailboxes. The alert was triggered by an incident involving a Klamath Falls resident who discovered a suspicious letter, raising concerns about the potential for widespread fraud in the area.
The incident surfaced after a local resident claimed to have found an odd envelope in their mailbox. Unlike most mail, which shows computer-generated tracking information printed over the stamp, this particular envelope had none, implying it might have been personally deposited in the mailbox rather being dispatched through the postal system.
Inside the envelope came a letter together with a check for $9,900.74. The letter suggested that the recipient had won a large award. It advised the person who received it to keep the information private and to deposit the check. Designed to stop victims from involving friends, family, or financial institutions for advice or verification, this kind of request is a classic characteristic of scam operations.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office has identified this scheme as a fraudulent check scam. In such frauds, the check is entirely fake even if it looks to be real. Usually under the guise of covering processing fees or taxes, victims who deposit these checks are then approached by the offenders with demands to send a part of the money back. However, once the bank recognizes the check as fraudulent, it bounces, leaving the victim responsible for the full amount and any funds sent to the scammers.
The Sheriff’s Office strongly advises the public to remain vigilant and cautious with their mail. Residents are urged to follow these critical steps if they encounter similar suspicious mail:
– Do not deposit the check: Engaging with the scam by depositing the check can lead to financial losses.
– Avoid responding or engaging: Responding to the sender can lead to further attempts at fraud.
– Never send money or share personal information: Sharing personal details can lead to identity theft and additional scams.
– Report the scam: It’s crucial to inform local authorities about any suspicious activity to help prevent further incidents.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office underscores the need of community awareness and proactive reporting in stopping these fraudulent actions. By staying informed and cautious, residents can protect themselves and their neighbors from falling victim to these malicious schemes.
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If residents have any questions about the validity of any mail they get, they are also advised to share this alert with friends and relatives and to call the Sheriff’s Office or another local police agency. Maintaining the safety of every resident in Klamath County depends mostly on the community’s combined awareness in deterring these criminals
