FRAUD ALERT

Chief of Police Dennis P. Moffett and the Mount Laurel Police Department warn residents to be aware of fraud schemes.  Every day in this country thousands of people are tricked into schemes designed to part them from their money.  These schemes come to us through the mail, over the phone, and most recently, over the Internet.  Residents should be suspicious of any moneymaking opportunity that requires you to put out money up front in order for you to collect a prize or windfall.  There are a variety of schemes in use today but many seem to follow a similar pattern such as

Foreign Lottery Winner

Payment of Foreign Taxes

Sweepstakes Winner

Inheritance Payments

Free Gift / Vacations

These scams often involve the target receiving a fraudulent check in exchange for a bank fund transfer, money order, cashier’s check or bank account information. Fraudulent checks may be received in the mail or by courier.

If you think that you have become a target of one of these scams please consult your bank official or contact your local Police Department.  More information about fraud can be found at the Mount Laurel Police Department Web site at www.mountlaurelpd.org or by calling the Community Policing Bureau at 856-234-1414 Ext. 532.