The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to be careful of unsolicited emails and checks delivered in the mail from an unknown source.

A Purcellville resident received a check for over $2,500 that was from an electric company in Tennessee. The same day, the same resident received an email stating the check had been sent in order for them to wire money through Western Union. The email stated the resident could keep a portion of the money “for their troubles,” the report said.

According to reports, the resident was suspicious of the check and email and thought it could be scam. The resident didn’t attempt to cash the check, reports said, which was determined to be fraudulent.

Prior to receiving the items, the resident was attempting to sell an item on the internet and was contacted by an individual who asked for their home address to see the item.

If you believe you were a victim of a similar scam, contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-1021.