Garden City Police Department
Fake check scams are not new, but the Garden City Police Department has learned of one targeting local contractors with convincing tactics and urgent requests.
A local contractor was nearly conned by someone posing as an out-of-town homeowner claiming their property needed work. The scammer sent a fake check for more than the job quote and tried to rush payment to a third party. That, along with the entire exchange happening over text, tipped the contractor off, who then reported it to us and wants to help warn others.
The Better Business Bureau offers these tips to avoid this kind of scam:
• Do not fall for an overpayment, and be wary of requests from the client to refund additional money through nontraditional ways such as a gift card, wire transfer or mobile banking app
• Insist on communicating over the phone or video call at least once – scammers often avoid real-time contact
• Verify the state of the property by conducting an on-site evaluation
• Spend the time to verify the authenticity of the check (matching numbers, misspellings, flimsy or suspicious check stock, etc.)
If you have any questions or believe you are a victim of this scam or any kind of fraud, contact the GCPD at (620) 276-1300.
