Arlington Heights police received a report about 9:05 AM Sunday of Arlington Heights, IL. Police received a report that an unknown offender or offenders sent a letter and email to the victim asking him to be part of the Mystery Shopper Program. He was sent three fraudulent checks for over $1,600 each. The victim was told to deposit the checks, keep $200 from each check and then wire the remainder via Western Union to a location in the Philippines. He was told by his banker the checks were fraudulent after he wired the remaining funds from the first check. The victim’s total loss is approximately $3,200.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) it is law that banks must make the funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. It may seem that the check has cleared and that the money has posted to the account, but when the check turns out to be a fake, the person who deposited the check and wired the money will be responsible for paying back the bank.
It’s never a good idea to deposit a check from someone you don’t know and then wire money back.
Anyone having information about this or any other serious crime in Arlington Heights should submit an anonymous text tip by texting the keyword 847AHPD and your message to 847411(tip411) or call Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers at (847) 590-STOP. Callers are guaranteed anonymity and may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
See also …
FTC Mystery Shopper Scams …
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