Sheriff’s Office warns of scams

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MOHAVE COUNTY, Ariz. – The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of scams taking place in the area, some of which appear to be recurring and can occur anywhere.

Return to sender

One man told the sheriff’s office that they placed an ad on Craigslist to sell a vehicle. About two weeks later, he received a text message from a buyer – an unknown person – wanting to purchase the vehicle. The buyer texted him to expect a check in the mail and then a tow company would pick up the vehicle.

The buyer conveyed that the check would be for $1,300 and include money to pay the tow company when they arrive. Within a few days the seller received a $3,200 check inside a priority mail envelope from a “Robert Glatzer” at Medina Electric Coop Inc., in Hondo, Texas.

The seller said he texted Glatzer back and told him the check was for too much. The buyer replied and told him it was to cover the towing and that an extra $50 was for the seller. The seller was then instructed to send the the rest of the money back to the buyer via Western Union once the check cleared.

The seller deposited the check into his checking account. The person using the name of Glatzer then began texting and asking when the seller was sending the the check balance to him. The seller texted that he was informed by his bank that it would take a week before the check cleared.

Later, the seller learned from his bank that the check was no good and he was charged a $12 bounced check fee.

Sheriff’s deputies contacted a representative at Medina Electric Coop Inc. in Hondo,Texas, about the incident. A company representative advised that they have received several phone calls and email complaints from several people regarding receiving bad checks with their company’s return address.

The representative further advised that the company had received numerous priority mail envelopes marked “return to sender.” The representative said that the company didn’t have a billing account for priority mail.

Deputies received a copy of the bounced check which had an account name of Modern Gallery in Philadelphia, Pa. Deputies contacted the name holder on that account and he said his account has been closed because he has had dozens of checks attempt to be cashed through his account.

Investigations have determined this scam originated outside of the United States.

You’ve got warrants

In another scam the victim said she had received a call from a man identifying himself as Lt. Tommy Daniels with the Wants and Warrants Division. He advised her that she had two warrants for her arrest for failure to show up for jury duty.

The lieutenant provided her with the warrant numbers and said she could pay the fines using a Green Dot Money Pak card. He also said the fines were $500 for each warrant.

The victim purchased two Green Dot Money Pak cards for $500 each, plus a service fee to the store. She then returned home and called “Daniels” back at 928-202-6731.

She scratched off the back of the cards and provided “Daniels” with the card’s access codes. He told her she should save the cards as proof of payment and that she needed to go to the court on Spring Street in Kingman, Arizona, on Thursday, to see Judge Julie Roth and have the warrants would be dismissed.

Investigations determined the phone number – 928-202-6731 – is a routing number and the person involved is not located in the United States.

A check via dispatch revealed that the victim did not have any warrants for her arrest.

The last two scams are ongoing, recurring scams

A Kingman resident reported receiving a telephone call about a relative being in jail and needing money. The resident called the relative who turned out to be at home, not in jail. Furthermore, the particular relative hasn’t traveled outside of the area for many, many years.

Often Mohave County residents are notified of winning some type of lottery, inheritance and even the Publisher’s Clearing House.  In most cases, these scammers are using the same method by requesting you send them money in order to receive your winnings. Do not send money. At times, these scammers will pressure and even threaten the person into sending them money.

These incidents are believed to be scams and the Sheriff’s Office would like to caution residents. If you suspect fraud, contact your local law enforcement office.

Related

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.

 

 

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4 Comments

  • hopeann May 16, 2014 at 10:46 am

    Almost had something like this happen yesterday someone trying to rent me a house in ivins told me it was empty so I drove over there and people live in the house asked they people if thus person was the owner they said no

  • JOSH DALTON May 16, 2014 at 12:45 pm

    Lets name a few scams. The iphone,Herbalife,Saladmaster,Zumba,Crossfit,Affliction Tshirts, Starbucks,Energy drinks, Jeremy Johnson….

  • Nick Peterson May 16, 2014 at 8:14 pm

    Josh, why do you say that Zumba and Crossfit are scams? I’m a licensed Zumba instructor and I would love to know why you think I’m perpetuating a scam.

    • JOSH DALTON May 17, 2014 at 7:39 am

      My wife is also a licensed Zumba instructor…that is why I said it!

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