By Pat Culverhouse

A scam claiming an individual won a large sum of money from a well-known publication was reported to Minden police Wednesday and investigators are warning the public to be aware.

According to police, the scam targeted a Minden area individual and bank, claiming by mail that the victim had won $2.5 million from Publisher’s Clearing House. The mail reportedly showed a Chase Bank check at the bottom indicative of the amount allegedly won.

Investigators said the victim called a number listed and received a check for $9,500, and the victim reportedly was subsequently scammed into cashing the fraudulent check. The scammer then reportedly instructed the victim to deposit the cashed money onto several prepaid gift cards and provide the information.

Fortunately, investigators said, the local bank acted quickly to save a major financial loss. However, the victim did reportedly sustain a financial loss as a result of the scam.

Minden police believe elderly persons are the primary targets, and are asking citizens to be mindful of this type of scam and to contact their local bank or local law enforcement before participating.

Below is a copy of the fraudulent mail to help make the public aware of this type of scam.