TOWNSEND — The Townsend Police Department has recently been investing several incidents of fraud, which originate over the phone or by Internet.
Victims are contacted, sometimes harassed, with phone calls and requested to deposit a check sent to them into their account and then wire money to locations overseas.
Unfortunately, the victims wire these funds prior to the checks clearing, which then come back as fraudulent.
These incidents have involved young as well as older citizens who become confused about what they are doing. They find themselves victims of these types of scams after it’s too late and involves thousands of dollars.
The individuals involved in the scam have in some cases represented themselves as David Johnson, Janet Mills, Calli Campbell and Mary Cruz, but could be using other names as well. They also have represented themselves in some cases as being affiliated with the Gold Rush Casino Co. in Las Vegas. But these calls seem to be originating overseas.
I would caution anyone receiving these types of calls or emails to simply ignore them. Report any suspicious correspondence of this nature to the Townsend Police Department.
I would also ask any of our local financial institutions to take the same action when dealing with any suspicious checks, especially being deposited by elderly residents, and warn them not to tae any other action until the check clears.
ERVING M.
MARSHALL JR.
Chief of Police
Townsend
