MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island Police are warning the public to beware of an Internet scam that promises to provide a job as a “mystery shopper.”

A 31-year-old Kamuela woman applied for the job on line. She received a check for $1,600 from the supposed employers, along with an e-mail asking her to cash the check, keep $300 and return $1,300 by Western Union. The woman complied with the request and later determined that the $1,600 check was bogus.

The case is being investigated as a theft.

Police advise the public to be suspicious of anyone who sends a check and then asks for some of the money back, as this is a common scam.