The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office issued a scam alert Thursday, warning people about a scam involving bogus Canadian money orders and con artists using FedEx to deliver them to unsuspecting people.

“When you answer an ad by mail, phone or computer, beware. This is a scam,” said Administrative Assistant Linda Hooker, who is also the spokeswoman for the sheriff’s crime prevention for senior citizens program.

The scam starts when a person answers an ad or phone call, which appears to be legitimate.

The con artist, who is usually male, contacts the person over a period of time, and then sends a package containing several checks to the person, asking him or her to cash them, keep a small portion and send the rest back.

“This one came via FedEx in this overnight package, which just happens to have a Texas address that is false. This time, it was Canadian Postal money orders, four to be exact, and each one worth $850,” Hooker said of a recent incident.

The fake money orders originated in Ontario.

“They looked very convincing. The people, con artists, are just that, con artists. They make fake IDs, checks, and, yes, postal money orders,” she said.

Hooker urged anyone who has been contacted by such a scam, to report it.

“Don’t fall for it, as they are very convincing, and, it is a lot of money that would come in handy, especially with winter coming on. These people are counting on just that, they play on your sympathy and your hardships,” she added.

Should people receive such mail, Hooker advised them to keep the letter, and either contact her at the Sheriff’s Office in Paris at 743-9554, ext. 3, or (800) 733-1421, ext. 3.

“Do not let them talk you into purchasing something on the phone. Just remember, these checks and money orders are counterfeit, and, if you cash them, the bank will come after you for the money. So, actually, you will have lost out twice. Be proactive, check it out,” she said.