PORT TOWNSEND — A new scam encourages people to think they have received free money in the mail — but if they cash the checks delivered to their doors, they might end up victims of fraud, police said Tuesday.
Some Port Townsend residents have received packages from UPS containing MoneyGram checks.
“They are likely fraudulent,” said Port Townsend Police Sgt. Ed Green. “After all, nothing comes for free.”
The checks look legitimate, he said. They are marked with a MoneyGram logo and usually have a retail store’s insignia on them.
“We have been seeing them with different stores listed,” Green said. “But they all have the MoneyGram logo.”
The most recent check was issued for $2,200. Green said that, if it had been cashed, it probably would have actually cost the depositor money.
Such scams work like this, Green said: When a person deposits the check into a bank account, the scammer gets a copy of the deposit that includes name, account information and signature — enough to compromise the depositor’s identity.
After that, the check bounces and no money is deposited, he said.
At least four scams
Green said that, dating back to December, at least four types of scams have been reported within the Port Townsend city limit.
Meanwhile, Jefferson County Undersheriff Tony Hernandez said he hadn’t received any complaints about elaborate scams.
Green said that the rash of scams in Port Townsend isn’t a surprise.
“When times get tough, we typically see a rise in white collar crimes,” Green said.
“What we’ve been seeing isn’t unexpected.”
The following scams were reported.
•âÇIn December, Quimper Community Federal Credit Union was targeted in an e-mail scam.
Fraudulent mass e-mailing to patrons of the nonprofit credit union in Jefferson County asks for account holders to phone a toll-free number and give their credit card numbers over the phone.
“We do contact people by e-mail, but not for specific account information,” said Mary Noble, manager of Quimper’s Port Hadlock branch.
“Our e-mails are always signed by an employee’s name, and never ask for you to give out info like this.”
The e-mails are signed by a generic “executive office” signature, Noble said.
•âÇEarlier this month, Green said there were reports of phone calls to residences asking for donations to the Port Townsend Food Bank. The caller offered to come by to pick up a check.
Shirley Moss, food bank assistant manager, said the organization does not solicit donations over the telephone.
Green said he had not had reports of any victims, just solicitation calls.
•âÇPolice are also seeing an increase in bad checks being passed at local businesses.
“We’re encouraging all businesses to be diligent,” Green said.
“We see a consistent stream of bad checks throughout the year, but it has jumped slightly.”
Green said the checks seem to be random at this point.
Green said everyone should be careful with personal information all the time.
“If you get a phone call or an e-mail asking for personal information, verify it first,” Green said.
“Even if you think you know who it is, you should still be careful.”
Green is asking those who believe themselves to be victims of fraud to contact him.
“We would rather someone come and be upfront, so we can make sure nothing happens, rather than have someone become a victim,” he said.
Green can be reached at the Port Townsend Police Station from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays or by phoning 360-379-4667.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
