September 8, 2011      Fairmont Police Department 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    (507) 238-4481

Fairmont Police Department cautions area residents to be cautious of telephone scams from Canada, Spain and Mexico

The Fairmont Police Department is advising area residents to be cautious of “emergency” calls alleging to be from family members asking for money to be wire transferred to Foreign Country.

In the last several weeks reports to Fairmont Police Department began regarding one of the latest frauds to get money from unsuspecting residents.  While the details of the scam can vary, this latest financial scam involves scam artists who pretend to be a family member supposedly involved in a traffic accident or DUI in Mexico and Spain.

The caller uses fear, sympathy, and personal attachment to family members to convince the person called to wire money to a relative in need.  The callers have pretended to be a grandson and have used the correct name of the relative.  The scam artist stated he was involved in an accident and needs money wire transferred quickly to pay for the rental car or damage to property or medical expenses or fines.  When the grandparent recognizes that the voice of the caller doesn’t sound quite like his or her grandson the caller states he has a cold or is just panicked from being involved in an accident or arrested.  The caller requests an immediate wire transfer to them (ranging from $1000 to $4500) to help them.  They also ask the victim not to tell his “parents” and they’ll pay the grandparent back upon return to the USA. If the victim sends the money they will most likely receive another “emergency” call requesting even more money with another convincing excuse for needing the money.

Other variations of the scam include a caller claiming to be a police officer or hospital official.  The caller provides the correct name of the family member to the victim and instructs them to send money for their family members bail to secure release or provides a number to call for instructions on how to send money for emergency medical expenses.

The victims have been instructed to go to the nearest Wal-mart and send the money to the “grandson” via Western Union or Money Gram.  What the victim may not know is that a money wire transfer can be picked up anywhere in the world, no matter what location the sender writes on the receipt.  Wal-marts are most likely chosen because they are easy to find in most areas and they offer money wire transfer services.

Investigation into these types of frauds typically cross international borders which makes prosecution unlikely and the recovery of any lost funds nearly impossible.  Area residents are advised that if they receive this type of call they should not wire transfer money and law enforcement should be contacted.  Independent verification of a family member’s welfare and location can typically be made with a few phone calls.  Take the time to think first before acting.

Large Amount Fraudelent Checks Received as "Payment" for Items Posted on Ebay, CraigsList, Classified Ads etc. Bounce When Cashed at the Bank, Costing Fairmont Area Residents Hundreds or even Thousands of Dollars.

The Fairmont Police Department is urging people to be cautious when accepting unsolicited offers or “over payments” for items listed for sale.  Also, don’t respond to unsolicited emails offering secret shopper offers or other offers that require the person to cash checks or send money to an unknown person. If a resident has doubts about the validity of a check or wire transfer request please consult their bank or local law enforcement before taking action. Click this link to view further details about this current and ongoing scam.

Time for some Spring cleaning! Let's get those old and unused prescription pills out of your medicine cabinet. Let's "Take it to the Box!" Bring your unused and old prescription pills to the "Take it to the Box" drop box in the lobby of the Martin County Law Enforcement Center and dispose of your old and unused prescriptions free of charge.

Prescription Pill abuse seems to be on the rise. Please help us combat this abuse by disposing of your unused and old prescription pills this spring!

A permanent prescription disposal box is available as a service to the public starting in the lobby of the Martin County Law Enforcement Center, 201 Lake Avenue, Fairmont, MN. This project is funded and operated as a joint effort between the Fairmont Police Department and the Martin County Sheriff Office.

Guidelines for Medication Use,

Storage, and Disposal

Safe Use

· Read and follow directions on all medications.

· Take the recommended dose…not more, not less.

· Take the medicine the number of times and the frequency recommended.

· Do not share your prescription medicines with another person.

· Do not take someone else’s prescription medicine.

· Know the names of your medications and their purpose.

· Pharmacists and doctors can answer your questions about over-the counter medicines…..just ask!

Safe Storage

· Keep medicines in a place away from children, teens and guests. Lock up medicines if necessary, especially narcotics or mood altering medicines.

· Keep medicines in their original bottle or package.

· Keep medicines in a cool, dry place away from the light.

· Follow storage directions on the medicine.

Safe Disposal

· Take old or unneeded medications or drugs to the medication disposal box at the Fairmont Police Department/Martin County Sheriff Office Law Enforcement Center beginning in October 25th, 2010.

· Leave the medicine in its original package or bottle.

· Cross off your name or other personal information. Do not cross off the name of the medicine.

· Do NOT flush medications down the toilet

Citizens are encouraged to dispose of their unused and unwanted medications in the disposal box. Citizens are encouraged to remove their personal information from the medication labels but please leave the name of the medication visible on the label.

A Graphic and Realistic Crash Video Reminder to Practice Safe and Sober Holiday Driving: 

Our area emergency responders encourage you to watch this graphic video that depicts how alcohol and drug involved traffic crashes tragically affect the lives of so many people each year. For everyone's sake, please travel safely this holiday season. Buckle your seatbelts, drive at safe speeds, and get a designated driver or taxi if your celebration includes alcohol this holiday season. We all value your life and the lives of the people in our community.

 Phone Call-In for Property Damage Assessment

                                    Local Flood Event  - Sept. 23, 2010

Fairmont:   The City of Fairmont has received isolated reports of potential water damage as a result of the flood event occurring on Sept 23, 2010.     Subsequently,  the City is undertaking a Property Damage Assessment in the event Martin County is declared a Disaster Area.   City of Fairmont residents are asked to call the Inspection Department at 238-9461, if they feel their home was damaged as a result of that storm.  Your name and address will be recorded for FEMA’s use, later during this recovery process. 

More information about FEMA’s assistance click on the FEMA website; http://fema.gov/hazard/flood/coping 

Additional FEMA resources regarding the Disaster Process and Disaster Aid Programs

BIKE SAFETY AWARENESS

Bring Your Bike!

Tuesday, September 7, 5:30 pm

Grace Lutheran Church Parking Lot

300 South Grant

Fairmont

Youth in Grades 2-6 and parents are encouraged

to attend this special safety awareness event conducted by

School Resource Officer Jaime Bleess and Early Risers Kiwanis volunteers.

Check out the Five Lakes Elementary website for more details. http://fles.viadesto.com/default.asp

Healthy Youth Suggestions for Connecting With Kids

Listening Lunch Student Feedback 

Listening  Lunch  Report  May  2010


Healthy Youth Committee has been working for a number of years with Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets.   The assets are bench marks, both internal and external, that measure the prevalence of skills, personal strengths, positive attitudes and levels of support (Assets) that youth have in their life.   Results are obtained from surveys given to students.

Recently the Healthy Youth Committee conducted some “Listening Lunches” to allow students to share their thoughts regarding some of the survey questions that rank lowest.  We asked students why they are low and how youth and adults might help improve these assets.

Healthy Youth Committee; Building a Healthier Committee

Listening  Lunch  Report  May  2010

Listening Lunch Student Feedback 

Healthy Youth Suggestions for Connecting With Kids


Fairmont’s Healthy Youth Committee has been working for a number of years with Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets.   The assets are bench marks, both internal and external, that measure the prevalence of skills, personal strengths, positive attitudes and levels of support (Assets) that youth have in their life.   Results are obtained from surveys given to students.

Recently the Healthy Youth Committee conducted some “Listening Lunches” to allow students to share their thoughts regarding some of the survey questions that rank lowest.  We asked students why they are low and how youth and adults might help improve these assets.

Time for some Spring cleaning! Let's get those old and unused prescription pills out of your medicine cabinet. Let's "Take it to the Box!" Bring your unused and old prescription pills to the "Take it to the Box" drop box in the lobby of the Martin County Law Enforcement Center and dispose of your old and unused prescriptions free of charge.

Prescription Pill abuse seems to be on the rise. Please help us combat this abuse by disposing of your unused and old prescription pills this spring!

A permanent prescription disposal box is available as a service to the public starting in the lobby of the Martin County Law Enforcement Center, 201 Lake Avenue, Fairmont, MN. This project is funded and operated as a joint effort between the Fairmont Police Department and the Martin County Sheriff Office.

Citizens are encouraged to dispose of their unused and unwanted medications in the disposal box. Citizens are encouraged to remove their personal information from the medication labels but please leave the name of the medication visible on the label.

Guidelines for Medication Use,

Storage, and Disposal

Safe Use

· Read and follow directions on all medications.

· Take the recommended dose…not more, not less.

· Take the medicine the number of times and the frequency recommended.

· Do not share your prescription medicines with another person.

· Do not take someone else’s prescription medicine.

· Know the names of your medications and their purpose.

· Pharmacists and doctors can answer your questions about over-the counter medicines…..just ask!

Safe Storage

· Keep medicines in a place away from children, teens and guests. Lock up medicines if necessary, especially narcotics or mood altering medicines.

· Keep medicines in their original bottle or package.

· Keep medicines in a cool, dry place away from the light.

· Follow storage directions on the medicine.

Safe Disposal

· Take old or unneeded medications or drugs to the medication disposal box at the Fairmont Police Department/Martin County Sheriff Office Law Enforcement Center beginning in October 25th, 2010.

· Leave the medicine in its original package or bottle.

· Cross off your name or other personal information. Do not cross off the name of the medicine.

· Do NOT flush medications down the toilet

The public is invited to attend a free presentation,
Beating the Blues, Thursday, January 28, 7 p.m.
Fairmont Medical Center, Main Classroom.
Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m.
Register for Door Prizes! Click here for a flyer with more information.