The Peachtree City Police Thursday morning issued an alert to citizens to be aware of two versions of an internet “money scam” that has been reported in the city and surrounding areas.
Version 1:
Victims who are selling items via the internet are receiving checks for an amount significantly more than what the item is being sold for.
Once the check has been received by the victim, the offenders are requesting that the victim deposit the check and wire a third person the difference in the money actually owed and the amount of the check.
Many times the money has already been wired to the offenders before the bank notifies the victim that the check was fraudulent, said department spokesperson Capt. Rosanna Dove.
Version 2:
You may receive an email stating that a “person” has a business opportunity for you. It will state that it’s an easy way for you to make some extra “holiday money” and all you have to do is cash a check, wire most of the money to the offender, and keep some for your troubles. The rest of this scam is exactly the same as Version 1.
“We urge you not to cash checks where this scheme is requested,” said Dove. “Many times the check is either completely fraudulent, or it’s a stolen check from a real person or company. The end result is always that you lose money.”
