Boston University Police Crime Alert: Check Cashing Fraud
Re: Crime Alert – Fraud / Scam
Date: October 11, 2018
Please find detailed information below regarding several check cashing fraud incidents that have recently occurred on the Charles River Campus.
Summary of Incidents:
BUPD is alerting our community about a check cashing fraud. Three incidents have been reported since September 30, 2018. All three appear to involve the same suspect who is targeting our student population.
Incident #1: On Sunday September 30, 2018 at 9:00 PM, a BU student was approached by a male in front of Agganis Arena who asked her to cash a check for $660.00. The suspect told the student that he needed to pay his rent but did not yet have his ATM card. The student went to the nearby ATM and withdrew the funds but later found the check to be fraudulent.
Incident #2: On Friday October 5, 2018 at 7:30 PM, a BU student was approached while eating inside the restaurant at 949 Commonwealth Ave when he was approached by a male who asked him to cash two checks totaling $1500.00. The suspect told the student that he was a Northeastern University student and needed the cash to pay his rent and buy books. The student went to the nearby ATM and withdrew the funds but later found the check to be fraudulent.
Incident #3: On Saturday October 6, 2018 at 8:00 PM, a BU student was near 728 Commonwealth Ave when he was approached by a male who asked him to cash a check for $1000.00. The suspect told the student that he was a Northeastern University student and needed the cash to pay his rent. The student went to the nearby ATM and withdrew the funds but later found the check to be fraudulent.
Suspect: The suspect is described as a male, tall and heavyset, in his early 20’s with short black hair.
Advice: This is a scam designed to work precisely because it is socially awkward to get out of the situation. You should not feel obligated to cash checks or enter in other financial transactions with strangers. If you find yourself confronted by a person asking to cash a check here are some tips to get out of the situation:
• In a rush: “Sorry I’m in a big hurry right now! I’ve got to go.”
• Try some humor: “Sorry I’m a broke student. I don’t have any money to do that.”
• The silent treatment: “I’m sorry.” Simply walk away.
• Pro-social bystander: If you recognize another person in a situation such as this, please call the BUPD at 617-353-2121 for them – you shouldn’t intervene unless you feel you can do so safely.
Promptly report any such incident to the BUPD at 617-353-2121 at soon as you can.
Follow Up:
The Boston University Police Detective Unit is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding these incidents and is encouraging anyone who may have information about these incidents to come forward and contact the Boston University Police at (617) 353-2121.
Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by texting the word ‘BU’ to (847411). The Boston University Police Department welcomes your messages and assistance anytime.
- The following is provided as a reminder to our BU Community:
Risk reduction/Safety precautions:
• If you do not feel comfortable intervening in any situation, notify someone who can (BU Police, 911, etc.).
• Program your cell phone with the BU Police emergency number 617-353-2121. Call this number if you become uncomfortable in any situation on or near the BU Charles River, Fenway or Medical Campus. We are ready to respond to your calls 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If you are off campus call 9-1-1.
• Text BUPD anonymously by texting “BU” to 847411.
• If you feel threatened on campus, look for a Blue Light emergency telephone or dial 3-2121 from any on campus telephone.
• Utilize Scarlet Safe Walk 617-353-4877 or public transportation.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Trust your intuition – if a situation makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, get away or call for help.
Issued by:
Boston University Police Department
32 Harry Agganis Way
Boston, MA 02215
617-353-2121
WHAT IS THIS NOTICE?
This notice is a crime alert. Boston University Police has information to share to help prevent a similar crime.
Feedback: We welcome your feedback to help make our messages better. Please send to bupolice@bu.edu