Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps says a rural Salem man has lost over $40,000 to an elaborate fraud scan that included a letter of assurance of a $3 -million prize reportedly signed by the Director of the FBI.
The sheriff reports after a month of communications and sending eight cashier’s checks worth $5,000 and prepaid cards totaling $4,500 the man became suspicious and brought the communications to the sheriff’s department for review. Cripps says it only took a minute to determine this was a fraud case and unfortunately it is unlikely there is any way to get the man’s money back.
Cripps says the multiple communications began when he received a letter supposedly from the US Trade Commission stating he had been selected to win $3-million. The letter was followed up with a few phone calls and letters that contained signatures of high-ranking FBI and Homeland Security officials on what appeared to be the letter head of the federal agencies.
Those conducting the scam were asking for payments for handling and documentation fees and required for release of the prize money. Cripps believes those responsible for the scam are from outside the US. Because of the purported signature of the FBI director, the US Attorney’s office has joined the investigation.
Cripps warns if it appears to be too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Before taking action on any offer, Cripps says get with your family members, love-ones, church or other organization and your friends. Tell them about this case and explain to NEVER provide cashier checks, pre-paid Credit Cards or any other gift cards to anyone or any company that you personally are not associated with. You can always call the sheriff’s office or your local police department to answer questions. Most likely they can assist in determining if the situation is real or a scam. Cripps says they are there to protect you.
Cripps notes because cashier checks and prepaid cards were used there is no way to trace where the money went, and it is out of the hands of a bank to assist since the money was withdrawn from the account before the transactions. He says those seeking cashier checks and prepaid cards are another red flag.
Fake FBI letter used as part of the scam.
