Canadian roommate wants airfare from Nigeria

The man said he placed an advertisement in a newspaper requesting a roommate. He received a response from a woman who said she was currently living in Canada and wished to return to the United States for business purposes.

After several email exchanges with the woman, the man thought everything seemed legitimate.

A short time later, the man received a Federal Express package containing a check for $2,450. Soon after depositing the check in his account, he received a text message from his proposed roommate asking him to wire $1,750 of the money to Lagos, Nigeria for her airplane tickets. The man was suspicious of the request since he thought she would be flying in from Canada.

The man reported the incident to Auburn Police. The investigating officer determined that the company listed on the check was legitimate, but the account was fictitious. The officer advised the man to retrieve the check from his bank and advise them that it was fraudulent.

The man was able to obtain the original check which was subsequently placed into evidence. The case remains under investigation.

Other recent incidents investigated by Auburn Police include:

• private property accident on Atlanta Highway. A witness reported seeing the driver of a blue Jeep Cherokee back out of a parking spot at Ingles and strike an unoccupied parked vehicle. The driver then left the scene without stopping. The witness was able to provide the tag number of the suspect vehicle.

• accident on Parks Mill Road. Auburn Police investigated a one vehicle accident that occurred when the driver lost control of his vehicle during heavy rain. The vehicle ran off the road and struck a utility pole. The driver was transported to Barrow Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

• domestic dispute on Peyton Lane. A woman called police after her husband locked her out of their home by disabling the garage door. The woman said she and her husband had recently begun divorce proceedings. The officer advised the husband that both parties still have equal access to the house and that he could not prevent his wife from entering the residence.

• identity fraud on Oak Ridge. A man said he received a bill collections notice from Dish Network even though he had never opened an account with the company. After contacting the company, the man learned his identity had been used to open an account for a residence in Sugar Hill.

• juvenile complaint on Willow Gate Way. Police were called to a residence after a 14-year-old boy tried to leave the room while his father was speaking to him regarding a disciplinary matter. The juvenile said he was upset and wanted to leave the room, but his father stopped him. The officer explained to the juvenile that he had to follow his parent’s instructions, but could call the police if they were needed.

• domestic dispute on Glen Terrace Road. Police were called after an argument between two brothers over a remote control turned violent. Due to conflicting stories, medical issues and past history between the parties, no charges were filed.

• welfare check on Carter Road. Police were dispatched four times to a residence on Carter Road to check on the wellbeing of an individual with a history of mental health issues. The Department of Family and Children Services was contacted.

• entering auto on Christy Lane. A man’s wallet containing his social security card, money and other identification was stolen out of his vehicle.

• entering auto on County Line Road. A GPS unit and other items were stolen out of an unlocked truck. The total value of the stolen items was reported to be approximately $300.

• harassment on Atlanta Highway. A man said a woman with whom he had only one date was stalking him. Police were dispatched twice to the man’s place of business after the woman showed up demanding the man return her phone. The man said the phone was his and that he called 911 after the woman started banging on his door while trying to pry it open. No charges were filed.

• neighborhood complaint on Skeet Hill Court. Three men were cited for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana after they were caught smoking a joint while trespassing on another man’s property.