Skip to content

UPDATED: Scammers target Nelson residents

The Nelson Police Department says it has investigated several mail fraud marketing scams recently. Fortunately, the recipients weren’t fooled and contacted police instead.

The Nelson Police Department says it has investigated several mail fraud marketing scams recently. Fortunately, the recipients weren’t fooled and contacted police instead.

Sgt. Steve Bank says the scam is similar to common Internet frauds where the sender tries to convince the receiver to deposit a phony cheque, and then send a money order back, minus a small fee as a service charge.

In the mail version, the sender tries to fool the receiver into believing they’re a mystery shopper and tells them not to disclose any information to bank officials when completing the transaction.

“To make the rouse appear legitimate, the sender also enclosed a ‘mystery shopper customer survey,’ which they wanted the recipient to fax back to the sender.”

Bank says they’re warning people to be very cautions of any offer by mail, Internet, or otherwise, where the sender asks you to make any financial transaction.

•  Last Wednesday, police helped agents from Canada Revenue Agency execute two search warrants at a home and business associated with the same Nelson resident. They gave no other details except to say the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

• A prowler was reported around midnight Sunday outside a home in the Fairview area, possibly with a camera. Officers immediately set up a perimeter and patrolled the area, but couldn’t find anyone.