Mail Fraud Scheme Reported In Hoover

HOOVER, AL — While phone scams seem to be prevalent these days, scammers also target victims through the mail, evidenced by a recent scam reported in Hoover. Hoover police say they have received reports of a phony check sent to victims in order to steal money.

According to the Hoover Police Department, victims find a USPS priority mail envelope with no paid postage in the mailbox containing a check with the homeowner’s accurate name and address on check inside the envelope.

The letter explains instructions on what to do:

• This particular scam letter explains that you’re receiving “research” packet on being a secret shopper. (Homeowner did not sign up anywhere to do this.)
• After the victim deposits the fake check into their bank account, the scammers want the victim to go to Walmart and purchase $2,000 worth of gift cards.
• The scammers then want the victim to send them a picture of the front and back of the gift cards the victim bought.

"If you receive a scam like this in the mail, please contact the USPS Postal Inspectors to report potential mail fraud: http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov, or call them at (877) 876-2455," the Hoover Police Department said in a statement. "You can also take the envelope and the contents to any local USPS branch. The Postal employees will receive the property on behalf of the Postal Inspectors and begin the investigative process."

Police also said, "Strange payment requests such as gift cards are a huge red flag! That is not how legitimate businesses operate. Be aware and be vigilant! If you have any questions or concerns, call us! Non-emergency Dispatch (205) 822-5300."