Redmond Man Targeted By Age-Old Check Scam

REDMOND, WA - If someone sends you a check for more than you asked for, don't cash it. A Redmond man was the victim of this age-old scam this week when he received payment for an item he was selling.

According to police, the fraud was reported on Oct. 30 near the QFC along 160th Avenue Northeast. The fraudster sent the victim a check for $1,000 more than the price of the piece of furniture he was selling online. When the victim told the buyer about the error, the buyer asked the victim to cash the check, but send the $1,000 back.

The victim ended up with a bounced check, the scammer ended up with $1,000.

Here are more incidents from the most recent Redmond police blotter:

October 29, 2018

• Time: 15:19
• Type: Arrest
• Location: 15300 block of NE 24th St.
• Case Number: 18-005886

A 58-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting from a Redmond thrift store. She was cited and released at the scene.

• Time: 10:10
• Type: Vehicle Prowl
• Location: 18600 block of NE 62nd Way
• Case Number: 18-800497

An unknown thief rummaged through an unlocked vehicle sometime overnight and stole documents and other property.

• Time: 09:00
• Type: Vehicle Prowl
• Location: 17000 block of NE 100th Place
• Case Number: 18-005890

Police were called after credit cards and paperwork were stolen out of an unlocked vehicle sometime overnight.

• Time: 09:00
• Type: Commercial Burglary
• Location: 17200 block of NE 104th St.
• Case Number: 18-005873

Park employees reported someone had cut the lock to a storage facility and stole two plastic gas cans. No information on the culprit was immediately available.

October 30, 2018

• Time: 19:45
• Type: Vehicle Prowl
• Location: 6400 block of 138th Ave NE
• Case Number: 18-005920

A woman reported her wallet had been stolen out of her unlocked car.

• Time: 18:00
• Type: Fraud
• Location: 8900 block of 160th Ave NE
• Case Number: 18-005917

A man called police to report he had been the victim of a scam when he was attempting to sell furniture online. The victim received a check from a "buyer" for $1000 more than the asking price of the furniture he was selling. The suspect told the victim it was an oversight and asked him to repay the $1000 through a payment app and with gift cards. After complying, the victim's bank reported the check had bounced. The victim was then unable to get in touch with the suspects and their identity is not known.

October 31, 2018

• Time: 07:37
• Type: Vehicle Prowl
• Location: 18600 block of Redmond Way
• Case Number: 18-005929

A car prowler smashed a vehicle window and stole a purse that had been left inside. The victim's credit cards were used soon after they were stolen. The suspect has not been identified.

• Time: 10:45
• Type: Theft
• Location: 9700 block of 163rd Place NE
• Case Number: 18-005935

A woman reported her street had been hit by mail theft after finding many of the mailboxes on her street open and empty. The suspect is unknown.
November 2, 2018

• Time: 07:21
• Type: Theft of a Motor Vehicle
• Location: 7200 block of 164th Ave NE
• Case Number: 18-005920

Officers investigated a report of a stolen car after a man found his Honda had been taken while he was at work. Neither the car nor the suspect have been located.

• Time: 05:06
• Type: Theft
• Location: 7300 block of 170th Ave NE
• Case Number: 18-005982

Thieves broke into two lockers at a local gym and stole credit cards, cash and gift cards. The suspects apparently used the stolen credit cards a short time after to buy gift cards at a local grocery store. Police are continuing to investigate.
November 4, 2018

• Time: 13:43
• Type: Arson
• Location: 16300 block of NE 83rd St.
• Case Number: 18-006026

Police are investigating an arson after a man discovered a trash can had been set on fire outside his apartment building. Firefighters responded quickly and advised there were no injuries and a only small amount of damage. The investigation into who was responsible is ongoing.

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