10/05/09 - Hardeman County
Hardeman
County Scam
By: Mallory Cooke
7:00 p.m.
Investigators believe
countless people in Hardeman County have fallen victim
to a scam promising thousands of dollars for just a
little money up front.
Albert Anderson is one of
them. He lost his job
less than a month ago, and turned over more than a third
of his last paycheck to a woman promising him big bucks. "My check was for $132 and I
gave her $50 of that," said Anderson.
According to investigators,
Anderson and hundreds of other people in West Tennessee
have fallen victim to this scam. "They are actually
falsifying documents and telling these people that you
can get this, and so people are just buying into it hook
and sinker," said Hardeman County Sheriff's Department
Investigator, Steaven Joy.
Investigators believe
someone is approaching individuals, asking for $50, and
then promising they will receive up to an $8,000
tax credit from the government.
"Just use common sense. If
it is too good to be true, it is too good," said Joy.
According to the Hardeman
County Sheriff's Department, the scam artist meets
people in public places like McDonald's, Burger King and
even private homes. "From 50 to 100 people have
been seen lined up, going in and out of McDonald's and
wherever for this," said Joy.
People in Bolivar said just
last weekend, dozens of people lined Mitchell Street all
trying to cash in on the deal.
Investigators have already
received several complaints and that number continues to
climb everyday.
Anderson said he has learned
his lesson and just wants his money back.
"I believe I will contact
the police before I go and do that again," said
Anderson.
Investigator Joy said
if people are victims of this scam, it is important to
file a police report. If the false
documents individuals signed are submitted to the
federal government, that person could be held legally
responsible.