The Logan City Police Department has noticed an increase in the number of e-mail scams involving money orders, bank checks and other financial tools. In an effort to prevent e-mail scams, USU Police Chief Steve Mecham sent The Statesman this list of cautions for students and community members to take note of.

“1. Be cautious of any persons or programs that require you to cash their checks and then send them the remaining money back. These scams come in many forms and the authors try to get you to send them money with promises that will make you money fast. A few examples of these are mystery shoppers, foreign lottery winnings, help wanted listings, etc.

“2. Be cautious of anyone who responds to your ad wanting to purchase your item with checks written out for hundreds or thousands more than what you are asking for. Then asking you to be honest and send them the rest of their money back. No honest person, especially in today’s economy, is going to send you more money than you ask for in hopes that you would send them their money back.

“3. Be cautious of persons asking you to send them money back via Moneygram, Western Union, traveler’s checks, money orders or bank-to-bank wire transfers. This is difficult to trace, does not usually go to the locations you believe it is being sent and is usually not recoverable.”

The police document stated, “Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Contact your local police department before you participate in any online programs that involve having to send money back to whomever you are in contact with.”

USU Police can be reached by calling 797-1967, and the Logan Police Department can be reached by calling 716-9300.