SUNBURY – A mystery shopper scam has been reported in the Valley. Northumberland County district attorney Tony Matulewicz says a 73-year-old man from Northumberland responded to an online advertisement for mystery shoppers. The man provided basic contact information.
He later received a cashier’s check in the amount of $1,840. A two-page letter accompanied the check, directing the man to cash it, deducting $300 for himself. The rest of the money was to be wired to an individual in Dallas.
Matulewicz warns residents these types of scams are often successful. The fraudulent cashier’s checks appear to be genuine. Banks will often cash them, leaving the victim held responsible for re-payment of the funds. Anytime a company or individual asks you to cash a check and retain a portion of the money for yourself you should suspect a scam. (Alex Reichenbach)
