JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Police Department reports that nearly $200,000 have been stolen from victims in scams since December 2019.

The department says when it comes to scams, being aware of them is the first step.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it is likely a scam,” the department states. “Please keep these clues in mind so you or somebody you know don’t become victims.”

(1) Somebody you met online asks you to send them money (lost their passport, wants to share inheritance, you won sweepstakes etc.)
(2) Somebody you met online or somebody calls you and wants payment in gift cards.
(3) Somebody sends you a check for more than the amount discussed.
(4) Somebody you met online sends a photo of themselves but claims they can’t speak or have no video access

“The checks you receive in the mail from a stranger are bogus and should be destroyed,” the department adds. “If you cash the check, the scammer will give you instructions on how to wire money back to them or to somebody of their choosing. When you do, a day or two later the bank will notify you the check was fraudulent, and you are now responsible for the money you received when you cashed the check.”

If you have any questions or believe you are the victim of a scam, contact the Jamestown Police Department at 701-252-2414.