Cashiers Checks Scam Alert

Crime Alert Bulletin Posted: 2007
Current: 2010

The Oak Creek Police Department is investigating a series of money scams in the Milwaukee and the Oak Creek areas. The alleged perpetrators are calling residents that are selling items over the internet. The callers are not from the United States and they want the merchandise shipped to them.

The fraud is committed in the following manner:

1. The suspect and the seller agree on a selling price but then also agree to add almost twice as much to cover the shipping costs.
2. The suspect then requests that the seller refunds any difference between the actual shipping price and the amount of the check.
3. The seller receives a cashier’s check for the full amount plus the shipping in the mail.
4. The seller sends the item to the suspect plus the refunded shipping costs.
   After a few weeks the cashier's check is found to be fraudulent and the seller is responsible for the full amount of the check.
5. The seller is also out the merchandise and the amount that they refunded the suspect for the shipping cost.

WARNING: THE OAK CREEK POLICE WAS ADVISED BY BANKING OFFICIALS THAT A PERSON IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VALUE OF A CASHIER'S CHECK THAT THEY RECEIVE FOR UP TO THREE WEEKS. HOWEVER, THE CHECK CAN BE CASHED AFTER ONE WEEK.

Be cautious when conducting business with a person from outside of the U.S. that agrees to send a cashier’s check. It would be advisable to hold the check for at least three weeks before sending the merchandise or cashing the check.

If you have received similar suspicious calls, please contact the Oak Creek Police Department immediately by dialing 414-762-8200 (non-emergency number). If you have any further questions you can contact Kim Bogadi at the Community Resource Office, 414-766-7623.