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Mail scam circulating in Royal Oak area, police say

Mailed cat survives 8 days inside box
Posted at 12:48 PM, Jan 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-24 12:49:06-05

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Royal Oak Police Department is warning all of its residents about a mail fraud scam.

The scam involves a mailed letter, reportedly from a banking institution, alleging the recipient is the beneficiary of an inheritance.

Police say the letter claims the recipient shares the same last name as the deceased, and then requests them to email the bank account manager regarding a large sum of money.

Royal Oak police wants to remind residents not to fall for common types of mail fraud scams, including:

  • Notices of prizes, vacations, sweepstakes winnings and other offers to claim valuable items
  • Personal requests for money or information from people you do not know
  • Letters from religious figures or psychics offering to predict or change your future
  • Any check-cashing schemes or offer that requires a payment first.

Anyone who has been targeted by a scam involving the U.S. Mail is asked to call 1-877-876-2455.