Simsbury Police Warn About "Overpayment Scam"

SIMSBURY, CT — The latest scam sweeping the area involves the targeting of individuals seeking employment via various online job sources, according to an announcement by the Simsbury Police Department.

In what has become known as an "overpayment scam," a person will pose as a potential employer and will reach out with a job offer. They will ask for personal identifying information (full name, address, date of birth, bank information) and send you a check for a large amount of money. The recipient is asked to cash the check and wire a portion of the money back to them, often saying the recipient may keep the rest, police said.

The checks turn out to be fake, leaving the recipient a victim of fraud. In some cases, thousands of dollars have been lost, police said.

Police remind residents to remain vigilant when using the internet, and protect all personal identifying information.

More information may be obtained by contacting PFC Lauren Devin at 860-658-3131.

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