Counterfeit checks in Tunica tied to Internet scam
FAST FACTS:
Nigerian scam began worldwide in early 1980's
Scam also referred to as "Advance Fee Fraud," "419 Fraud"
Scam costs Americans billions
Scam has evolved in recent years
melissa.moon@wreg.com
(Tunica, MS 11/20/07) Lots of money moves through the Casinos in Tunica everyday, but now some bogus money is also showing up.
The Tunica County Sheriff's offices say in the last couple of months it's investigated about 30 cases involving counterfeit travelers checks in Tunica County. Checks tied to one of the most well know Internet scams around. They say most alarming is the people passing the checks.
"We've arrested over twenty people with different backgrounds. Some of them are school teachers, retired people," said Lt. Cederic Davis.
Deputies say the majority of those cashing the checks are the latest victims of the latest version of the Nigerian scam. In this case they receive unsolicited emails from an international company offering them part time work.
The company asks them to cash travelers checks from clients in the U.S., keep 10% for themselves and wire them the rest.
It's only after the money is wired to some place like Nigeria the victims find out the checks were never any good.
"Some of these companies are so bold they are starting to call the people even though they are arrested you know, where is my money," said Lt. Cederic Davis.
Sheriff's deputies ...