Round Rock police report there is a new fraud that appears to be targeting senior citizens.

The victim receives contact from a person representing themselves as a Department of Homeland Security agent (in the so-called Secure Housing Department). The fraudster tells the victim that they have received a package at Homeland Security and it contains a check, usually from Readers Digest or similar company, in the amount of $495,000, issued to the victim.

However, the victim is given a phone number of 866-978-8178 and instructed to call Lloyds of London to place a 1 percent security deposit on the package.

As the fraud continues, the victim is instructed to send various fees for registration, delivery, security, storage and taxes.  The various fees are paid either to a Chase Bank account, a Wells Fargo bank account or by money order addressed to a Post Office Box.

The various phone numbers used in this fraud are:

(866) 978-8178
(888) 342-7810
(305) 440-1172
(202) 470-3812
(202) 470-3380
(305) 440-1175

There is no “Secure Housing Department” within the Department of Homeland Security.  The Department of Homeland Security would not be involved in notifying “winners” of various companies’ awards.  Lloyds of London is not actually associated with this fraud and does not conduct business in this manner.

Should you receive contact for this or a similar sounding scheme, do not send any money and contact your local police department for additional assistance.