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1. Fraudulent Cashier’s Check Received Through the Mail
One of our residents received a Priority Mail envelope via USPS from a company called EVCOR. There was no letter of explanation, but a cashier’s check totaling $1,780 was enclosed. This very alert resident contacted the issuing bank, Hancock Bank, and was advised that the check was fraudulent. The bank recommended that the check not be cashed and simply be destroyed.
At this point, the exact purpose for sending the check is unknown, and there has been no further contact by the sender. This serves as a good reminder that even a cashier’s check can be fraudulently created.
Scammers use many and varied approaches in their attempts to obtain your personal information and steal your money. The FTC and U.S. Postal Service warn that counterfeit checks, including cashier’s checks, can appear legitimate. When in doubt, contact a relative, friend, or neighbor for advice and never give out your personal information to any person or organization when you did not originate the contact. Verify any unexpected check directly with the issuing bank before taking any action.
Additional Information:
- FTC Fake Check Scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-fake-check-scams
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service Check Fraud: https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/check-fraud
- FTC Fraud Reporting: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
2. Community Safety Reminder
We do live in a relatively safe community; however, from time to time there are opportunists and thieves who drive, walk, or ride bicycles through our villages looking for an easy mark.
Always keep your doors and windows closed and locked when not in use. Report immediately any persons or vehicles that arouse your suspicions. Do not confront suspicious individuals. Instead, safely observe and report what you see to law enforcement. When reporting suspicious vehicles, try to obtain a description and license plate number and provide that information to the police dispatcher when you call.
3. Report Suspicious Activity
If you see suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity, contact law enforcement immediately:
- Emergency: 911
- Lincoln Police or Fire Non-Emergency: 916-645-4040 and or Submit an Online Police Report
After reporting an incident to the Lincoln Police Department, please remember to report it to Neighborhood Watch as well. Use the “Report an Incident” button on our website at https://sclhwatch.org/incident-report/
This allows our Alerts Team to gather and verify information, identify trends, and provide timely and accurate information to our community through Neighborhood Watch alerts such as this one. Your reports help keep neighbors informed and aware of potential safety concerns.