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Crime Alert

Jury Duty Scam

BEWARE

There have been recent reports of a Jury Duty Scam. The offender calls and poses as a court officer. The offender accuses the victim of failing to report for jury duty, which is a criminal offense. In order to avoid criminal penalties, the offender gathers personal information to update the victim's jury duty record. The personal information includes name, address, date of birth, social security number, etc. Armed with this information, the offender commits Identity Theft against the unsuspecting victim.

NEVER GIVE PERSONAL INFORMATION TO ANYONE OVER THE TELEPHONE OR VIA THE INTERNET.

Lotto Scam

There have been recent reports made to the Police Department regarding Lotto Scams.  These scams usually involve an international lottery award letter being sent to your home.  The letter indicates that you have won a large sum of money, usually in excess of $50,000.  The award letter is accompanied by a check for a smaller amount, usually $2,000 - $3,000, payable to you.  You are instructed to deposit the check in your bank as part of your winnings.  Within a short deadline period, you must wire a large portion of the money to an "agent" outside of the USA to pay the "taxes" on your winnings.  The rest of the winnings are to be sent once the "taxes" are paid by you. 

 Unfortunately, the winnings are never sent.  In fact, the check that was sent to you is a counterfeit.  Therefore, your bank will debit your account for the entire amount.  The short deadline is used so you wire the money before you and/or your bank realizes the check is counterfeit.  Thus, you are conned out of the full amount that you wire outside the USA. 

 The Police Department will document these incidents for you.  However, since the crime crosses national borders, the Police Department does not have jurisdiction to pursue the case.  Therefore, you may be referred to any one of many federal agencies for further assistance, depending on the circumstances.  Rarely are the offenders identified and prosecuted.  

PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THESE AWARD LETTERS.  NOTIFY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT SO PROPER AUTHORITIES MAY BE NOTIFIED