Mail fraud scheme offers fake checks to gift card shoppers

DENVER (KDVR) — The Federal Trade Commission reports consumers lost more than $10 billion to fraud in 2023 with mail fraud up 14% from the previous year.

Former detective Steven Runfola told the FOX31 Problem Solvers he got quite the surprise in his mailbox when he received two checks totaling nearly $4,000.

“I go, ‘Wow, that’s pretty good,’” said Runfola.

The checks looked legitimate and came with a letter explaining they were a pre-payment for agreeing to be a secret shopper. All he had to do was buy at least $500 in gift cards using his own money and send a picture of the serial numbers to the so-called employer within 24 hours to receive a bonus while waiting for the checks to clear.

However, the checks were fake. Runfola didn’t fall for the scheme.

“People don’t have money to throw away, and that’s throwing it away,” he said.

The fraudulent letter included detailed instructions on how to purchase gift cards without raising suspicion and featured fake logos of two high-profile competing drugstore chains. Runfola checked out the address of the “employer” listed on the letter and found it to be bogus.

The FTC reports mail fraud is at the top of the list of current scams which include pyramid and check-cashing schemes and phony job offers. Scammers want personal information and bank details.

The penalty of being convicted of mail fraud can include a $250,000 fine and jail time whether or not a purchased postal envelope is used to commit the act.

Runfola told the Problem Solvers he was relieved that he spotted the red flags and came forward to warn others.

“I thought there’s something wrong with this: It’s too easy,” he said.

Colorado’s Attorney General and security experts told the Problem Solvers that criminals play on a person’s sense of desperation for money and use high-pressure tactics to coax victims into making decisions without considering the consequences.

Before considering any random offer, take a moment to stop and think about guarding your personal information and money. Block robocalls and let unknown callers go to voicemail. Mail fraud should be reported to the United States Postal Inspection Service .

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