Tahlequah Daily Press

Local News

Related Photos

  • This check scam was recently sent to a local man, who realized it was fraudulent and reported it to the authorities. But law enforcement officials say the scams are common, and cost victims thousands of dollars.

    jn check scam.tif

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
October 20, 2011

CCSO warns of check scam

By JOSH NEWTON Staff Writer

Officials in the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office are warning local residents about check scams, perpetrated by people often in other countries who want to steal money.

Sheriff’s Capt. Bob Sanders said the scams are common in Tahlequah and other parts of the country.

One local man received a letter and check through the postal service. The letter, addressed from the so-called UBS Wealth Management company in Toronto, provides a claims number and is titled “Final Prize Notification.” It tells the recipient he or she has won $270,000 as a sweepstakes prize.

The letter also included a $4,350.25 check, which it claims has been deducted from the victim’s winnings as the initial payment of the prize. The letter attached to the check also “strongly advises” the recipient to “keep this letter away from the public in order to avoid multiple claims.”

The “winner,” says the letter, owes $2,700 in “non-residential tax.” After depositing the check, it says, the victim should send via money transfer to a supposed tax agent in New York.

Sanders said once a victim deposits the check, his or her bank later finds out it’s a bad check. The victim has then lost money from his or her own account – sometimes thousands of dollars.

FakeChecks.org, which was established by the National Consumers League, says it could take weeks or months to discover the check was a scam. Banks are required to give account holders access to the funds they have deposited within a few days, even though they can’t always be sure the check is valid by then, the site says.

“There is no legitimate reason why anyone would give you a check or money order and ask you to wire money anywhere in return,” the site warns.

Those who receive a similar letter and check should always check its validity, said Sanders, and never deposit the check before doing so. Potential scams can be reported to the proper law enforcement authorities.

Text Only
Local News
  • kp Burger main.tif What’s on the bun?

    Perhaps no other food on the American summer holiday menu epitomizes patriotism more than a good old-fashioned hamburger.

    May 25, 2012 1 Photo

  • Best gifts can be made from scratch

    When hand-crafting gifts to honor loved ones or friends, a fellowship can be born.

    May 25, 2012

  • Injury crash provokes felony charge

    Prosecutors have charged a Tahlequah man for his alleged role in causing a crash that put another man on life support.
    The charges stem from a May 18 crash at the intersection of the State Highway 51 West bypass and Vinita.

    May 25, 2012

  • Testimony in Butcher trial centers on evidence

    Testimony given throughout the day Thursday in the first-degree murder case against Bronson William Butcher centered mostly on the state’s investigation of the case.

    May 25, 2012

  • Oklahoma City man charged with larceny here

    Prosecutors in Cherokee County have charged an Oklahoma City man with grand larceny, second-degree burglary, and larceny of an automobile.

    May 25, 2012

  • Local men’s shelter at risk of closing

    Tom Lewis walked through the semi-completed expansion at Project O Si Yo Thursday, pointing out what services could be provided to area homeless men, if only the funding were available.

    May 25, 2012

  • jn tps cmty meeting.tif TPS officials eye earlier start times

    A handful of Tahlequah Public Schools parents voiced concern Wednesday evening about a potential change in school start-and-stop times for the upcoming year.

    May 24, 2012 1 Photo

  • Food for thought

    With representatives from the Oklahoma Farm & Food Alliance, Sustainable Green Country and Cherokee Nation Healthy Nation Division in attendance, the Tahlequah Food Policy Council on Tuesday shared their ideas on establishing sustainable local food sources for retail ventures.

    May 24, 2012

  • Defense attorney: Witness changed his story

    The defense counsel for Bronson Butcher on Wednesday targeted eyewitness accounts of a man who claims he saw the accused shoot an Oktaha man at a Tahlequah home in March 2011.

    May 24, 2012

  • ra CancerCarnival.tif TMS Cancer Carnival raises funds

    The Tahlequah Middle School Student Council held its 6th Annual Student Council Cancer Carnival Wednesday to raise money for the American Cancer Society. 

    May 24, 2012 1 Photo