These days, perpetrators of scams have so many different ways to swindle money from unsuspecting people.
Sometimes, very official-looking checks promised as payment for goods, services or work can be a weapon in a scam artist’s arsenal.
In fact, fake check scams affected more than 39,000 consumers or businesses in 2021, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Recently, a Mentor-based business was targeted in a hoax involving a fraudulent check. But the owner’s instincts and quick action prevented any financial losses.
According to a news release from the Better Business Bureau, Norm Dillen, owner of Choice Home Repair, received a text in early September from the scammer, who introduced himself as a man from Colorado named Howard Kirk. Kirk claimed he found Choice Home Repair through BBB’s website.
Kirk then stated he desired to paint the interior walls of his newly purchased home on Engle Road in Brook Park.
After corresponding through further text messages, phone calls and emails, Kirk sent Choice Home Repair a cashier’s check, the release stated. Although the painting project was only estimated at $4,783, the cashier’s check was written for $9,891.50 and came with instructions to put half down on the project and then pay the previous homeowner $7,500 when Choice Home Repair obtained entry keys.
The owner of Choice Home Repair immediately became suspicious and contacted BBB and local police. BBB was able to verify through the Cuyahoga County Auditor’s…
