Angels Camp, CA…Recently it has been brought to the attention of staff at the police department that there are a couple of telephone and mail scams that are prevalent in our area. One is “Mystery Shopper” scam, where the recipient receives a package via mail or Fed-Ex that includes a check, and an email that includes instructions to cash the check and keep a portion of the funds. The instructions advise to forward the remainder of the funds via money transfer to another “mystery shopper.” The recipient is asked to remain in contact with the sender via email to confirm that the instructions have been followed, with a promise of “bonus” money if acted on within 24 hours. Attached is a copy of one of the letters that was recently received by a citizen.

The other is a “P.G. & E.” scam, where a telephone caller advises that there is delinquent status on a P.G. & E. bill. An 800 number is provided to call to take care of the delinquent bill, and when the victim calls the number, there is someone that answers and identifies themselves as a “P.G. & G.” customer service representative.

Please be aware of the continual potential for criminals to attempt to scam unaware citizens, and be diligent about protecting your personal information. There are several options available to reduce the ability of criminals to access your personal information, or “opt out” of receiving fraudulent emails, text messages and phone calls. One option can be found at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phone-calls-and-email.

If you have received similar items or have been contacted regarding a fraudulent scam, and you wish to report the contact to authorities, you may do so at;

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0076-phone-scams, for telephone scams. Or;

http://ehome.uspis.gov/fcsexternal/default.aspx, for mail related scams.

If you have been victimized to the point where you have actually lost money, please report the crime to the Angels Camp Police Department.