PAGE 2 - October 30, 2013
The Newscaster - Nature Coast News
Citrus Sheriff s office cautions sellers
Pet Patrol
to beware of Craigslist scams
If you are someone who enjoys the ease of advertising items for sale on Craigslist,
you should be aware of the scams lurking about that could potentially target YOU by pro-
spective buyers of your merchandise. The Citrus County Sheriffís Office has been experi-
encing an increase of reported fraudulent activity through Craigslist ads.
The scam works as follows: A Craigslist ad is posted by the seller, which provides
a description of the property to be sold and the selling price. A correspondence is initiated
by an alleged prospective buyer - by way of an email that appears to be sent through a valid
email account. In most cases, the purchaser makes asn excuse for not being able to talk to the
seller by phone or in person and requests the correspondence to continue by way of email.
The purchaser states that they do not live in the area, and if the seller would be willing to ship
the items, they will cover the cost of shipping. The purchaser will then mail a check to the
seller for an amount of money which is much more than the advertised price and shipping
combined. The purchaser has included instructions with the check, asking the seller to send
“Mingo is a really cute little Schnauzer x ‘Allie is a sweet 12# devoted Chihuahua back the remainder of the balance.
In two of our cases, fraudulent checks from Lycoming College in Pennsylvania
Yorky, Shih Tzu? mix with a grey-black coat mix that looks like a little fox. She is only 5
of non-shedding hair. At just 3 yo, he is as yo, a quiet and cuddly lap dog, that adores were received by selers in the amount of $2,475. In one of these cases, the listed merchan-
sweet as they come, enjoys walking, cud- anyone who gives her attention and still a dise was only $200. Contact was made with the accounting department at Lycoming Colleg,
dling, playing, and car rides. Mingo likes watch dog. Good with other dogs and cats. which was aware of the fraudulent check scam. They were advised the cases were mostly
everyone, but kids. We are currently trying Adopt her as a buddy for a lifetime. See generated through Craigslist ads and are occurring across the country, not just in Florida.
to increase his weight from not having been ‘Allie’ and other homeless little dogs at the Lycoming College has made their financial institution aware of the scam.
Other cases involve the same methods, but the checks received by the sellers were
fed and cared for very well. He is healthy, up weekly Saturday adoption event of ‘A Hu-
to date on vacs, ID chipped, wormed, neg. mane Society of Central Florida Pet Res- from other entities. One was from Iowa State University for a $400 item on Craigslist with a
HW tested. We are S. Orwellhis housetrain- cue, Inc,’ 10-1 PM, at Pet Supermarket, In- check for $1,950.27 drawn from Bankers Trust Co., and the other was from New York Power
5093 reviewing Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446
ing habits, since his owner has gone into the verness.362-4788 applications, interviews Authority for a $600 item on Craigslist with a check for $2,780.99 drawn from Chase Bank.
Phone: (352) 489-4588 Fax: (727) We require
In all of these cases so far, sellers from Citrus County have tried to validate the
nursing ail, Tom Russell,Society of CEN- and home visits prior to adoption, therefore,
Em home. A Humane Publisher: thenewscaster1@gmail.com
TRALail, Debbie Russell, Editor: debbienewscaster@gmail.com and adjoining checks prior to shipping any items - which has resulted in no losses. Our concern is that
Em FLORIDA Pet Rescue, Inc. does we only adopt to Citrus Co.
citizens may be inclined to ship items to buyers upon receiving payments before realizing
casthome m • newscasterarchives.com • history.newscasterarchives.comtothehealthcaster.com
er.co visits prior to adoptions, therefore, areas. Foster parents are needed • save the
we only adopt to the Citrus County and ad- lives of more dogs. If you have a little dog, the checks are fraudulent. With fraud cases like these, the jurisdiction for prosecution lies
joining county areas. Phone 352.302.9251, in need of re-homing, phone 352.527.9050, outside of Citrus County, and we can only provide an assistance report to the agencies cover-
ing the financial institutions and their customers.
leave your name, number
leave your name and number.
We are asking people who are selling on Craigslist to please remember, if it sounds
too good to be true, it probably is. If you feel that you have had a similar experience, please
contact the Citrus County Sheriffís Office by phone at 352-726-4488.
♦
♦
♦
♦ ♦
♦
he Newscaster
Heto News o the Nat e oast
om wn f r ur C
gat Reason bl Rates forS Lev NE Ciru &S Ma on C te
a e y, t s W ri oun i s
5093S. w lP, Hom sassa, Florid 34
Or el t. o a 446
Phone: (3 8 45 x: (727 2-4788the Nature Coast
52) 49- 88 Hometown News for
Fa ) 36
mail, Tom Russerltisinglat : hen sca erfor S m il. om &
Adv , P i her t ew st 1@g Levy, NE Citrus SW Marion Counties
e l ub s Reasonable Rates a c
mail, Debbie ussel, d: deenewcPt.,eHomosassa, 34446
R l E itor503 S. s ast r@gal.com
9 bbi Orwell m i Florida
T (352) Fax:(727)
Car & Truck Show Benefits Hospice of Citrus and The Nature Coast - (From left) Hospice of
Phone: 489-4588 362-4788
Citrus and the Nature Coast Volunteer George Proctor, Hospice Education Coordinator Anna
, Tom Russell,
Email Publisher: thenewscaster1@gmail.com
Neptune, Hospice Development Director Linda Baker and Hospice Public Relations Manger Joe
Proof: Ad Starts 3-20-13
Eml,Debbie Russell,
ai Editor: debbienewscaster@gmail.com
es: thenewscaster.com • history.newscasterarchives.comFoster were present at the 4th Annual Nature Coast Mustang Club All Ford Powered Car & Truck
• newscasterarchives.com
• thehealthcaster.com
Show held on Saturday, October 12. Proceeds raised at the event went to benefit patients and
families served by Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast.
ReliableService,LLC
Septic
THE NEWSCASTER & Nature Coast News is published weekly by
Joe’s
Newscaster Publishing. Comment Line:352-388-1668. e-mail: news@
thenewscaster.com. Bulk Rate Postage is paid at Inglis, FL Permit
We Want Your Stinkin’ Business
No. 14. Subscription Rates are $37.00 per year in Florida, $40.00 out
♦
of state. The Newscaster is also available in news racks for 25 and
50 cents.All rights reserved. Information, opinions and/or ideas ex-
♦
pressed in this publication in guest editorials or commentaries do not
(
necessarily reflect the views of the publisher and or editors. Unsolic-
StateMJ
ited commentary and letters to the editor must be typed and signed by
License #SA0111728 T
the author. Include a phone/address for verification. Information can be
TMJ
795-4662 (877)
352) 442-9688
mailed, faxed or e-mailed. Newscaster Publishing accepts no respon-
sibility for lost or damaged manuscripts, or photos. Enclose return
(352)228-9027
postage for returned material.
AD PROOF for Business Card Ad