We hate to break it to you, but it’s true — those e-mail offers of free money, splitting Nigerian lottery winnings, inheritances from government treasuries — they’re all fake!
But those crooks are in trouble now, because the Memphis Police Department’s Economic Crimes Bureau is on the case, urging citizens to ignore any e-mails claiming the recipient has won the lottery or a large sum of cash.
The department adds helpfully: These scam e-mails ask the reader for a mailing address, where scammers can send a fraudulent check. The e-mail recipient is asked to cash the check and then send a large sum back for processing fees.
The scams originate from all over the world, including Canada, the U.K., Nigeria, and Australia.
The MPD says they’re prepared to prosecute anyone who attempts to pass one of these fraudulent checks at local banks or businesses. So there.
