By Staff Report
According to a release from the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), investigators successfully intercepted a fraudulent scheme on November 10, 2025, preventing a local resident from losing several thousand dollars.
Deputies were alerted after a concerned citizen reported that a family member may have fallen victim to a scam. The investigation revealed that the victim had been contacted by an individual posing as an attorney representing a charitable foundation. The scammer claimed he would send the victim a check to deposit, instructing her to cash it and mail several thousand dollars in cash to a specified address while keeping the remainder as a “reward.” The check later proved to be counterfeit meaning the victim would have suffered the full loss once the funds were withdrawn.
HCSO investigators quickly coordinated with a supervisor from the shipping carrier handling the package. Thanks to the carrier’s cooperation, the package was intercepted before delivery, and the funds were safely recovered and returned to the victim.
“This case is a rare success story,” the release stated, noting that such outcomes are not always possible. Sheriff John Tate urged citizens to remain vigilant, emphasizing, “Rarely does anyone give away money for free. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to report any suspicious financial offers or potential scams immediately to law enforcement.
