Fraud Alert

(June 1, 2005) The following is a summary of a scam that has occurred to at least two different locations in Central Ohio between February and May 2005:

An offender sets up fraudulent checking accounts and has them linked to vacant homes that are for sale. It is believed that he identifies the houses as being vacant by viewing online photos.

After setting up the accounts he begins selling items on Ebay and having the purchasers send the payment to the vacant home in a fraudulent name. The offender never sends the items, he only takes the money orders or wire transfers. During odd hours the offender retrieves the mail from the vacant home's mailbox. The offender has been using numerous names, but he was seen by a postal carrier in an older blue compact car.

We have obtained a photo (right) and additional evidence in order to identify the offender.

REALTORS® - If you find out about mail being sent to a vacant home that is not in the name of the owner early in the process, please contact Detective Wells (info below). Currently, there are more than 6 known victims from all over the country and a story aired on NBC-4 about the situation. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help.

Sincerely,
Detective John Wells CFEI
Special Operations Sub-Division
Hilliard Division of Police
3800 Municipal Way
Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 334-2340