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Scam promises victims a check

By Ann Marie Ames ( Contact )   February 4, 2008 - 8:35 a.m.

Sandy and Kenneth Kraynak last week avoided becoming victims of what they believe was a telephone scammer that called their home several times.

A man first called and asked for Kenneth, Sandy said. He asked Kenneth if he had lost $250 a year ago.

The caller informed Kenneth that a check was ready and asked for the name of the Kraynaks’ bank.

Kenneth hung up.

On Friday, the same person called with the same scenario, except this time he was offering a check for $395 he said Kenneth had lost three years ago.

Kenneth played along, Sandy said, and asked for the check to be mailed to the Kraynaks’ home.

The caller refused, saying the check had to go “bank to bank.”

“My husband told him to go jump in a lake,” Sandy said.

According to the caller ID, the scammer had called several times during the week, she said.

“It was funny that he had my husband’s name and our address,” Sandy said.

Sandy reported the incident to Janesville police, who told Sandy no police report would be written because the Kraynaks didn’t lose any money. Police encouraged her to call The Janesville Gazette.




reader COMMENTS (2)
jvlgirl
Feb 4, 2008 at 10:48 a.m.
Suggest removal

Unless the couple provided bank account information or other personal identifying information....there is nothing the police can do. The reason they suggest contacting The Gazette...the public should be aware that someone may be "phishing" and unexpecting people might be taken advantage of.

Devilsadvocate
Feb 4, 2008 at 9:55 a.m.
Suggest removal

""Sandy reported the incident to Janesville police, who told Sandy no police report would be written because the Kraynaks didn’t lose any money. Police encouraged her to call The Janesville Gazette.""

That doesn't sound right. Police take reports of possible scams all the time. Was there a miscommunication some where along the line? Or have police changed their policies?

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