Local nonprofit agencies offer vital support for the community and often rely on donations to continue their missions. So, when a significant contribution is received it can be exciting.
Unfortunately, several local nonprofits have recently been targeted as part of a donation refund scam.
At least six nonprofits in the Monongalia County area are believed to have received fraudulent donation checks.
Patty Showers Ryan, president of Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia (YCF), recently reached out to The Dominion Post after YCF received one of these fraudulent checks.
Each of the nonprofits have similar stories.
Ryan said the scam typically begins by receiving an email from someone claiming to be named “Kenn Yeager” who expresses interest in donating to the organization. He then mails a five- or six-figure certified check via FedEx.
The so-called Yeager then contacts the organization shortly after sending the check and states there was a mistake, the check was written for the wrong amount, and he needs some of it back. He then asks for a portion of the funds to be immediately wired back to him.
Meanwhile the checks – many written for $95,000 or more – never clear the bank and the return address on the mailer leads to an unoccupied $30 million home in New York City that is listed for sale.
Christian Help confirmed the same thing happened to them earlier this year in March. Yeager initially told the organization he was in the end stages of his life and wanted to make a meaningful donation. The $191,250 check they received never cashed.
Chestnut Mountain Ranch, Shack Neighborhood House and Mylan Park Foundation are also thought to be among those who received fraudulent checks.
The Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center (RDVIC) told The Dominion Post they also were targeted by the scam.
RDVIC Director Alexia Jennings said, “It’s unfortunate. Because you think that it’s a genuine contribution to a nonprofit that could use the assistance and then only to find out that it’s a scam – it is very unfortunate.”
Ryan and Jennings said they have been trying to spread the word to other area organizations and have reported the scam to local and state law enforcement agencies.
Fortunately, none of the organizations have fallen for the scam and sent money to the alleged Kenn Yeager, but that doesn’t the offender will not try again.
YCF warns other local organizations – if you receive a large, unexpected donation from someone you don’t have a relationship with, do your due diligence to make sure the donation is valid and contact your bank for assistance.
An unrelated scam involving the Monongalia County Circuit Court was also brought to the attention of The Dominion Post this week.
Circuit court clerks reported receiving calls from local residents claiming they received a call from the circuit court’s phone number. The caller states they owe the court $600 in money orders or will face legal ramifications.
The court clarified they do not ask for money over the phone and the number is a spoof caller.
As with other scams of this nature, official government agencies do not request payments in this manner or to be paid with money orders or gift cards.
