The Minden Police Department is warning residents about a Publishers Clearing House scam after a local woman and a Minden-area bank were targeted this week.
Police said the department received a report Friday morning regarding the scam, which involved fraudulent mail claiming the victim had won a $2,500,000 cash prize.
According to the victim, she received mail appearing to be from Publishers Clearing House indicating she had won $2,500,000. The mail included what appeared to be a Chase Bank check printed at the bottom reflecting the prize amount.
The victim called the number listed in the letter and later received a check for $9,500. She was instructed to cash the check and then deposit the money onto several prepaid gift cards, providing the card information to the caller.
Police said the check was fraudulent, and the victim was scammed into cashing it. The scammer then directed her to transfer the funds using prepaid gift cards.
Authorities said a local bank acted quickly, preventing a major financial loss. However, the victim did sustain a financial loss as a result of the scam.
The Minden Police Department believes scammers are primarily targeting elderly residents with similar schemes.
Officials are urging citizens to remain cautious of unsolicited prize notifications and requests involving gift cards or wire transfers. Anyone who receives suspicious mail or phone calls is encouraged to contact their local bank or local law enforcement before taking action.
Police have released a copy of the fraudulent mail to raise public awareness and help residents recognize similar scams.
