Local Scams Are Back
 

On both sides of the Red River, sheriffs are repeating that same warning you may've heard from your parents: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

http://www.shreveport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=620

I know all about those. I get them by mail and e-mail from time to time. Fortunately, none have ever caught me yet. Google keywords from such letters and e-mail before doing anything else with them. Take this topic that I started not long ago when I received a seemingly real check. Fortunately, I'm also not about to fall for these.

The red flags that almost GUARANTEE such letters to be scam are:
Have

1. Offering you money, but asking for some in return for whatever reason
2. Requesting money be sent back via Western Union or MoneyGram (this is a HUGE red flag!)
3. Company name and/or contest is unknown to you
4. Company (or return address on letter) is located outside the U.S.

There are probably other such red flags, but these are probably the most common. If such letters arrive via mail or e-mail, throw them away or hand over to police.