Grocery Coupon Scam

     Earlier this week, a female resident from the Mason City area telephoned the Mason County Sheriff’s Office to report that she believed she was being targeted in a scam.

     According to the woman, she had received a telephone call during the evening from a telemarketer who told her that she was entitled to receive a gift of her choice; either $500 worth of grocery coupons or a barbeque grill. When repeatedly questioned by the woman, the telemarketer insisted that there was nothing for the woman to buy and that the grill or coupons would be delivered to her the next day. According to the lady, the telemarketer even mentioned a name of another Mason County resident she knew and said that this resident suggested that their company contact her. The woman finally agreed and a meeting was scheduled the next afternoon for her to receive the grocery coupons. Our Mason County resident was wise enough to investigate this matter by making a few calls and discovered that the telemarketer’s claim of the referral statement was false. The female immediately called the Mason County Sheriff’s Office to report the incident.

     The next afternoon, law enforcement officers from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office and Mason City Police Department waited near the woman’s home for the suspect’s arrival. Although a half hour late, a man and woman arrived at the house. Police confronted both of the suspects and an investigation revealed that the man was a stranger to the area, his driver’s license was suspended, and he was recently released from prison and on parole. It was also learned that the man was an Illinois registered sex offender with seven convictions for sex offenses and had been charged with various offenses ranging from dangerous drugs to weapons violations. When questioned, the man admitted that he was going to try to sell the homeowner an air cleaning device for $3500.00.

     “I am proud of our Mason County resident for recognizing that she was being targeted in a scam and promptly reporting the circumstances to the police. This situation should serve as a reminder for everyone that you never know who you may be inviting into your home,” said Sheriff Wayne Youell.

     If you feel you have been selected or discovered that you are a victim of a scam, contact your local police or the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.

Return To Press Releases