Hays Police are investigating an Internet fraud case involving a former Hays resident now living in Oklahoma who lost $1700.

In this case, the only connection to Hays is that the victim still banks in Hays. They also cashed the check and sent money via Western Union locally.

“This is a common Internet scam,” Hays Police Department Lt. Brandon Wright told Hays Post. “The scenario begins with an Internet ad – such as on Craig’s List.

The victim begins corresponding with a “customer” who wants to purchase the product or services. The customer sends a check for a huge amount over the asking price – in this case $1950 for a $100 service. The suspect then asks that the victim sends the extra money via Western Union to a third party, giving an elaborate excuse as to why they need this done.
As is always the case in this scheme, the check looks legitimate but is no good. The bank accepts the check initially, which the victim often thinks is verification the check is real. Typically within a day or two the bank learns the check is no good and notifies the customer. By that time they have usually wired the money and they remain responsible for it to the bank. The majority of the time the suspect is overseas and out of our reach. In this case, we have information indicating the suspect may be in Maryland, and the information we have has been forwarded to the authorities there.”