FRAUD ALERT!
From the Office of Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey

Pets, Romance, and Adoption

Information from the FBI 2007 Internet Crime Report reveals the top internet scams in 2007. Here is how they work:

Pet Scams: Consumers see an ad selling an adorable pet; they mail a check, or provide a credit card number, plus a little extra for delivery. Unfortunately, the fraudster gets your money and you don't get the pet.

Funds Transfer Scams: If you are legitimately selling an animal or renting property, you may receive a check that is more than the agreed upon sale price. When you ask the buyer, he apologizes and asks if you can just deposit the check and send him the balance.

Adoption and Charity Scams: A spam email makes an urgent plea for a donation to a charity - perhaps even using the name of a legitimate charity. Unfortunately, your donation goes to a fraudster.

Romance Scams: You strike up a romance with someone you meet in an online dating or social networking site who lives in another country. Your new romance is anxious to meet you but needs money to cover travel expenses. Unfortunately, this may be just the beginning - typically the person ostensibly, ends up with an emergency hospital bill or being mugged which leads to a plea for more financial help.

Report an internet scam:
• Log on to www.ic3.gov and File a Complaint.

Need help or have a question?
Call the Denver DA Fraud Line: 720-913-9179
April 2008