On June 2, 2011, Patrolman James Kompany responded to headquarters for a report of fraud. The complainant stated that she was the victim of an internet scam involving United States Postal Service (USPS) money orders and Western Union money services.
According to the victim, she was contacted via email at the beginning of April 2011. The content of the email requested that the victim act as a “secret shopper” and evaluate agents at any Western Union location. On May 31, 2011, the victim received a Federal Express package containing two (2) fraudulent USPS money orders, each in the amount of $950.00. The victim was instructed to deduct $200.00 for her ‘commission’ and deposit the remaining funds into her bank account. The victim then wired a total of $1,750.55 via Western Union as instructed by the email. The funds were guaranteed by the victim’s account. The victim received five (5) additional fraudulent USPS money orders, each in the amount of $950.00 on June 2, 2011. At this point, the victim became suspicious and contacted the police.