The victims have been approached by people who claim to need cash due to an emergency. The emergencies have included needing cash to pay rent because they are being evicted, to pay for a room for the night or to help with “personal issues.”

The suspect tells the victim that they have a check but they can’t cash it for various reasons. The suspect then convinces the victim to cash the check or deposit the check in the victim’s account and give the suspect the money. The victim later finds out that the check was not valid and the bank wants the money returned.

The Police Department’s Fraud Unit offers the following crime prevention tips:

• Be wary of anyone you don’t know who approaches you for any reason.

• If you are approached, note any other persons and vehicles around.

• Call 911 to report suspicious persons asking for money or for you to cash a check.

• Don’t give out financial information to anyone you don’t know or that you didn’t directly contact yourself.

• Don’t conduct banking business such as deposits by way of the ATM unless you have to.

• Don’t fall for “the sob story”

• If you do try to do someone a favor by cashing a check or getting them money from the bank; go inside the bank and take them in with you. If they don’t go in, they don’t get the money. If they are being honest they won’t have a problem getting their picture taken inside the bank.

• If you have been a victim of this scam, please call 911 and make a report.