Expert: Philip Sweeting - 7/13/2006

Question
Hi,

I am well aware of all the internet, lotto, credit card scams out there, so this is not a question about how the criminals operate.  My question is whether there are any authorities working on cases.  The FBI contact told us that they have a $1 million plus threshold to be interested.  Our local police have no interest--out of jurisdiction, they say.  

We are working with our company bank's fraud department, but I think their main concern is protecting themselves and us, but not following up with whoever can investigate.  

Someone in Canada has created counterfeit checks for $3400 using our bank account and photoshopped my signature and sent these out all over the U.S. to individuals saying they've won the Swiss Lotto.  Asks them to call a number in Vancouver and then send a moneygram for $3200 to someone in Canada, after which they'll receive winnings of $86,000.

We are watching our bank account daily and rejecting those checks that come through.  I'm sure many more are tossed by people recognizing the scam, but we don't know how big this is yet.  So wondering if any Canadian or other authority would really work the case, or is it so common they just file it away?

Art  

Answer
The U.S. Secret Service investigates counterfeiting and credit card fraud so you might contact them.

The FBI is responsible for thefts from banks. Sounds like whoever you spoke with at the FBI is just trying to put you off. Either it falls within their jurisdiction or it does not...there is no arbitrary amount such as $1 million but it is unlikely they would put much effort into investigating for such a small amount.

In theory your local police department could not do much but they should be assisting you in working with the federal authorities but it sounds like they don't want to be bothered either.

I would first contact your local U.S. Secret Service and if they offer no help you might try the FBI again and ask to talk to the Agent In Charge of your local office. If they don't investigate such crimes the next question should be "who does?" Good luck.