Individuals urged to use caution with 'too good to be true' winning

Several check scams are being used in the Dunklin County area and residents are warned to use caution if receiving notification of winnings of which they had no prior knowledge.

Diane Risner, of Senath State Bank, noted that the main thing is to watch for competitions that the individual didn't initiate.

"This is just like the old saying, 'if it is too good to be true, then it probably is,'" Risner said.

She added that the checks being received look very legitimate and most use actual businesses.

Danny Rhew, of Kennett, was one of the recipients of one of the check scams.

Rhew received a check from Sharp Electronics Corporation, of New Jersey, in the amount of $2,970.

The check was accompanied by notification that Rhew had been selected for a position as a "Mystery Shopper."

The actual Sharp Electronics Corporation has identified the information being delivered concerning "Mystery Shoppers" is fraudulent.

The company confirmed that the correspondence did not originate from Sharp Electronics Corporation and that the company is not engaging in the specified activities.

Sharp Electronics Corporation added that any consumers receiving the correspondence described above should regret it as a fraud and potential scam.

Risner noted that any time individuals receive information informing them that they have won so much money but need to send money to process the funds it is more than likely a scam.

Cynthia Campbell, of Kennett, was also a recipient of one of the check frauds. Campbell received her check from St. John Holdings Inc., out of Harrisburg, Pa., in the amount of $4,600.60.

The information notified Campbell that she had won a total of $1,400,000.

In order to received the funds, Campbell was asked to enclose an appointed fee of $20 made payable to M.N.D. Along with the $20, Campbell was notified that she would have to pay a small amount of insurance and transfer fees, which the information identified as mandatory and varying on the amount won.

"These scams are very sophisticated," Risner said. "There are all types of scams out there so be cautious and don't get hopes up until the funds are verified."

Risner added that individuals with any doubts about checks or competitions should take all of the received information to their personal bank. If the documents turn out to be a scam, she informs individuals to take the documents to the local police department or send them to the Missouri Attorney General.