Police warn residents of fraudulent cheques

CITY POLICE NEWS RELEASE
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Officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service’s Fraud Unit have recently received a number of calls with regards to a series of fraudulent cheques that are being distributed. 

Basically victims are being sent a letter in the mail asking them to become a “mystery shopper.” 

The victim is asked to do some work locally as a mystery shopper and then cash a cheque that is sent to them. 

The instructions inform the victim to keep a portion of the money and send the remainder back to the issuing company via Western Union. 

It is unclear at this point how victims are being selected. 

All that is know is that they are being contacted by mail with a letter indicating that they have been selected to work as a mystery shopper and describing what their assignments will be.  

Citizens are reminded to be cautious if they are presented with a similar type of business opportunity and any member of the public that has received such a letter is asked to contact the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service’s Fraud unit.

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If you have any information regarding these crimes, or any other crime, call Crime Stoppers at 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), submit an e-tip from the Crime Stoppers’ website at www.saultcrimestoppers.com or text keyword SSM with your tip to 274637. Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Msg & Data Rates May Apply.