Dearborn Police: Watch Out for Internet, Mailing Scams

Recent reports of Internet and mailing scams have Dearborn police urging residents–especially seniors–to be careful of who they trust with their money or information.

"Several residents of the Dearborn senior community have reported received official looking mailers soliciting monies and or information that would have caused them to be victims of an international scam," the Dearborn Police Department stated in a release.

The department particularly urges Internet users to be cautious when using entertainment sites, such as for gaming and gambling.

In all cases, people should to avoid giving out personal information, including their name, address, phone number, date of birth, social security number, and bank account and credit card information.

One letter turned over to police by a Dearborn resident promised that they would receive a large amount of money if they participated in a program that requires a fee and release of their personal information.

"These solicitations prey on the victims’ perception that they have been 'randomly chosen' or part of an 'exclusive' group of participants," police noted. "However, there are obvious red flags that should concern anyone receiving such a notification. In this example, the notification stated that to qualify the recipient 'must not tell anyone about this.' The return mailer included has a return address in the Netherlands."

Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad put it simply: “A good rule of thumb is, if you receive something in the mail that seems too good to be true, then chances are it is.”

Anyone receiving mailings of this nature are urged to contact their local FBI Field Office, located at 477 Michigan Ave., 26th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226. The phone number is 313-965-2323. Or, notify the FBI through their internet tip line at https://tips.fbi.gov.