Computer scams hit county
Comet staff report

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office has recently investigated several reports of computergenerated scams. Victims receive correspondence via their computer that requests they cash checks for the suspect or e-mail sender. For their effort, the victim is offered a percentage of the check. The checks appear to be legitimate cashiertype.

Some banks give the victim a portion of the funds until the check clears. However, the checks do not clear and the victim is responsible to pay the bank the amount advanced to them.

The suspects advise victims they are not in the U.S. and want the money transferred to them. No legitimate business needs to have individuals cash a check on their behalf and then transfer funds, said police.

Police also said as a general rule, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. This crime is very difficult in which to find a suspect. Given the broad nature of the Internet, the crime is almost impossible to prosecute.

If any resident has received such an e-mail, contact the Carroll County Sheriff's Department at (765) 564-2413.