From: Hannibal Police Department

Date: December 20, 2011

Phone: 573-221-0987

Fax: 573-221-3966

Contact: Lt. John Zerbonia

The Hannibal Police Department would like to inform the community of a new forged check postal scam, masquerading as a sweepstakes win. The letter, which appears to originate out of Canada, claims to be from the Managing Director of Prize Award Department and states that the recipient has won a large monetary prize through Reader’s Digest. Included is an “advanced” check that is to be used for insurance, taxes and other fees. If a person is not familiar with regulations surrounding legitimate sweepstakes, they could easily be convinced the check is good and the sweepstakes is legitimate. If the “winner” were to follow the instructions and cash the check, they would find themselves owing the entire amount of the check to the bank once the forgery is discovered. If you receive one of these letters and checks, please destroy it or turn it over to the Police Department. The Hannibal Police Department would also like to remind everyone to not give personal or bank account information to anyone over the telephone or to send cash in response to any letters they receive in the mail. Especially if the calls or letters are unsolicited by you.