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Craig police warning of gift card survey scam

Craig Press Staff
Packages with survey questions about gift cards are part of a circulating scam.
Courtesy Image

Police want the public to be aware of a scam in the Craig area after local residents have been targeted.

According to a news release from Craig Police Department, would-be victims receive a FedEx package containing a check “usually in an amount over $1,000,” made out to the victim and a letter stating “they have been selected to participate in an “Apple Store Mystery Shopping Survey.””

CPD said victims are instructed to deposit the check into their bank accounts and to quickly purchase Apple cards at local retailers who sell them.



“The victim is also asked to provide the numbers for all the cards purchased,” CPD’s release said. “A phone number is provided on the letter and asks the victim to use text messages for contact. The victim is also notified that the quicker they complete the task the more they will be paid. The provided check is supposed to cover all the expenses of the survey, including the victim’s payment.”

But it’s all a ruse — a scam police said leaves the victim on the hook for the Apple cards they purchased.



“This is a scam,” CPD said. “The check is not valid, and the victim will be required to provide their account information to the suspects. In addition, the victim will be responsible for the purchase of the Apple cards and when they provide the numbers on the Apple cards back to the suspects of the scam, the cards will be used by the suspects and have no value to the victim. This same scam has utilized numerous other types of cards, including iTunes, game cards and paid credit cards.”

Police said it’s important for residents to remember a few key points to avoid falling victim to this particular scam.

  • Do not provide personal finance or other information such as social security numbers by phone, text or email.
  • Lock down your social media sites so that strangers cannot access information on your relatives, friends, and location.
  • Any unsolicited phone calls, emails, delivered packages or mail requesting bank information to return funds are scams.
  • Any unsolicited checks attached to jobs you did not apply for are scams.
  • Notice of foreign lottery winnings with checks enclosed or with requests for funds to cover fees involved are scams.
  • If you believe you have been contacted with a scam, do not follow the instructions outlined by the caller, email or mail and contact local law enforcement. If it sounds suspicious, do not take any further action prior to contacting law enforcement.

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