The Mesquite Police Department is warning the community to avoid being a victim of internet fraud. There are currently several different internet scams out there where someone is trying to take advantage of trusting citizen. Some of these “scams” are AUCTION FRAUD, COUNTERFEIT CAHIER’S CHECK, CREDIT CARD FRAUD, LOTTERIES, and NIGERIAN LETTER to name a few.

Internet crime schemes that steal millions of dollars each year from victims continue to plague the Internet through various methods. Following are preventative measures that will assist you in being informed prior to entering into transactions over the Internet:

If the "opportunity" appears too good to be true, it probably is.

Do not reply to emails asking for personal banking information.

Be wary of individuals

representing themselves as foreign government officials.

Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.

Beware when asked to assist in placing large sums of money in overseas bank accounts.

Do not believe the promise of large sums of money for your cooperation.

Guard your account information carefully.

Be cautious when additional fees are requested to further the transaction.

If you receive an email that is believed to be a scam you can either ignore / delete it or report it to your local Law Enforcement Agency. Mesquite residents can call the Mesquite Police Department (MPD) at 702-346-5262, Bunkerville residents can call the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) at 702-397-2669, and Beaver Dam/Scenic residents can call Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) at 928-347-4900.