Buffalo, n.Y. (WIVB) - A western New York supermarket chain is warning customers to watch out for bogus checks in the mail.
Wegmans says a number of customers have been calling in, claiming they won a sweepstakes. The checks range in amounts up to $3,900, but also asks the winner to pay fees and taxes before it can be cashed. They're even asked to call a number to provide information.
Fraudulent checks are being floated with the name of Wegmans Food Markets Inc., the Rochester-based grocer said.
On Friday, Wegmans began alerting consumers to a scam that involves fraudulent checks bearing the company’s name in mailings.
Nearly all who have contacted Wegmans live in states outside of Wegmans’ market area, and a few live in Canada, Wegmans officials said.
The face amount of the checks is between $2,700 and $3,900. The letters claim the recipient has won a sweepstakes or lottery and ask the recipient to pay upfront fees, or taxes, before the check can be cashed, or the mailer instructs the recipient to call a number to provide additional information, according to Wegmans.
“We immediately notified law enforcement authorities when we became aware of the bogus checks, and the matter is now in their hands. We urge consumers who receive such a check to contact their local authorities, ” said Jo Natale, Wegmans’ director of media relations.
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