Briefs December 14, 2010
Cd'A senior reports scam
COEUR d'ALENE - Art Krebs knew he likely wasn't ever going to meet "Grandma."
After all, how often do real jobs come along offering $600 just for looking after granny a few days a week?
Still, just for fun, and a little out of curiosity, the Coeur d'Alene senior citizen replied to the e-mail seeking a caregiver in Coeur d'Alene for a grandmother who would be arriving soon.
Sure, Krebs responded, he was interested. What should he do?
Days later, an envelope arrived with a check for $2,800, with an official looking "Cashier's Check" stamped on top.
In short, it instructed Krebs to deposit the check in his account, keep $600, and send his personal check for $2,200 to a third party "so it will cover Grandma's flight and hotel."
A few other e-mails arrived, advising him to "get prepared for the flight details" and they ended with "Greetings from Grandma and my family."
Krebs didn't bite.
He wrote back that he would return the check and instead they should wire his payment and send the balance to the travel agent for granny's costs. He even asked for a picture of grandma so he would recognize her.
He said Friday he hasn't heard from anyone since.
He knew from the start it was scam.
"I've seen and heard of too many of them," Krebs said.
His concern is others might fall victim to it and actually send a check.
"I don't know how many thousands of these checks went out," he said.
Authorities remind residents that any offers that sounds too good to be true, most likely are.
Special needs camp planned
COEUR d'ALENE - Specialized Needs Recreation is holding Camp All-Stars "Winter Break" Day Camp from Dec. 20 to Dec. 31.
The camp, which runs Monday through Friday at 1323 East Sherman Suite E., is filled with activities such as community outings, crafts, and games. The day camp is provided to young people ages 4-21 who may have special needs and or developmental disabilities.
Camp runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and costs $12 a day. The camp won't be held Dec. 24 or 25.
Info: Angie Goucher at 755-6781 or visit www.snr.bz.