Local Scam Attempt: Fraudulent Checks Being Issued

Secret Shopper Survey Program Distributing Phony Checks In Scam Attempt

Copy of fraudulent check in a local scam attempt.

Edmonson Voice Report:
There seems to be no shortage of scammers working hard to stay dishonest and steal your hard-earned money, as another scam attempt has hit the area.

We were contacted by a local resident who shared a fraudulent check, sent from a scammer disguised as a secret shopping company trying to receive gift cards.

The check, pictured above, seems completely legitimate, but is phony. The company requests that you go and purchase $1100 worth of gift cards from a list of retailers (Nike, Target, Kroger, Best Buy, etc.). Then, you are instructed to photograph each card, scratch off the hidden info, photograph it, then text to their phone number. You get to keep the additional $350 left from the purchases, according to the scammer; but in reality, you don't get anything since the check is no good.

Instructions for gift card/fraudulent check scam

The scammer uses the images of the cards you bought to purchase items online while the check they sent you is completely fraudulent.

"Never send any money, gift card, banking or other account information of any kind to someone you don't know," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "As the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Most of these scammers are outside of the U.S. and are rarely caught."