HELP US, HELP YOU
FALL 2004
NORTHFIELD TWP POLICE WARN AGAINST INTERNET FRAUD
The internet has become a haven for fraud and counterfeit activity and we would like our Northfield Township residents to be aware of such scams in order that we can work together to protect our community members.
Do not respond to any unexpected, unknown e-mail messages
Recently, we have had reports of Nigerian e-mails suggesting that they would like to offer the e-mail recipient a large amount of money—THIS IS A SCAM!!!
How the traditional scam operates:
- The potential victim(target) receives an unsolicited email, letter or fax
- An offer is made to transfer millions of dollars into the target’s bank account
- The target is asked for bank account numbers, telephone numbers and other
Identifying personal information
- Numerous documents are sent to the target with official looking seals, stamps
To look authentic
- The target is eventually asked to provide advance fees to cover attorney fees, taxes, transactions etc
Variations to the Scam
- An e-bay or other seller might receive an expression of interest in an item
- Once the offer is accepted, the “buyer” forwards a check or money order in excess of the agreed amount (several thousand dollars), the buyer provides excuses for his/her mistake and requests the seller to return the excess money,
- To seem more credible the buyer will suggest that the seller not return the additional funds until after they have cashed the original check
- The check is either interstate or a good counterfeit & the bank is not initially alerted or it takes a longer period of time to clear
- The bank determines the check is “bad”, and deducts the check amount from the seller’s account
- The seller is out both goods & money
If you receive an email relating to any form of advanced fee fraud, please email to the secret service at: 419.fcd@usss.treas.gov
In addition, Phishing attacks are occurring over the internet, and through e-mail as well. These are fraudulent websites designed to fool receivers into providing personal finance information including credit card numbers, social security numbers and bank account numbers. DO NOT PROVIDE ANYONE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION UNLESS YOU INITIATE THE COMMUNICATION. Phishers send email or pop-up messages claiming to be a business you deal with, recent attacks have included Yahoo, Citibank, Verizon, Washington Mutual, Visa, Paypal, and FDIC, all are usually presented with an “Alert”, “Fraud” “Warning” or “Safeguard” message. No legitimate company who has your files will contact you for an update in this fashion. If you have any further questions regarding internet scams & fraudulent activity, contact Crime Prevention Officer Tammie Colling @ 734-449-9911 ext 109 or email her at colllingt@twp.northfield.mi.us
