Citizens need to be cautious when posting rental properties and real estate on-line. Rental scams occur when the victim has rental property advertised and is contacted by an interested party. Once the rental price is agreed upon, the scammer forwards a check for the deposit on the rental property to the victim. The check is to cover housing expenses and is, either written in excess of the required amount, with the scammer asking for the remainder to be remitted back, or the check is written for the correct amount, but the scammer backs out of the rental agreement and asks for a refund. Since the banks do not usually place a hold on the funds, the victim has immediate access to them and believes the check has cleared. In the end, the check is found to be counterfeit and the victim is held responsible by the bank for all losses.
The other type of scam involves real estate that is posted via classified advertisement websites. The scammer duplicates postings from a legitimate real estate website and reposts the ads, after altering them. Often, the scammers use the broker's real name to create a fake e-mail, which gives the fraud more legitimacy. When the victim sends an e-mail through the classified advertisement website inquiring about the home, they receive a response from someone claiming to be the owner. The "owner" claims he and his wife are currently on missionary work in a foreign country. therefore, he needs someone to rent their home while they are away. If the victim is interested in renting the home, they are asked to send money to the owner in the foreign country.
If you have been a victim of an internet crime, please file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Crimes Unit at http://www.IC3.gov
On March 9th, 2010 at approximately 9:20 am, an unidentified white male entered the Wachovia Bank located at 4041 Nova Road in Port Orange and advised the bank teller that he had a firearm and demanded money. Although the firearm was implied and not seen, the bank teller handed an undisclosed amount of money to the male along with a dye pack. The suspect was last observed walking away from the bank towards the area of the Winn Dixie Plaza. A passerby advised responding officers that the suspect leaving the bank walked out of the bank, across the street towards the plaza and was last seen entering Castle Dry Cleaners. Officers surrounded this location and verified the individual was inside the business. Officers ordered the suspect to exit the business. The suspect complied, walked out the front door and was taken into custody without incident. He identified himself as Gregory W. Osoniak and admitted to the bank robbery. Additionally, the bank teller made a positive identification of Osoniak. Port Orange Police placed Gregory Osoniak under arrest for robbery and grand theft and after processing, he was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail under a $15,000.00 bond. The stolen bank money was recovered outside the bank and additionally inside of Castle Cleaners. There were no injuries involved. Anyone with pertinent information is asked to contact Detective Jeff Wenzel at (386) 506-5884.
The Port Orange Police Athletic League has announced the winners of the 14th Annual Motorcycle Fundraiser prizes. This years Grand Prize was a 2010 Vivid Black Harley Davidson Street Glide Motorcycle OR $14,000.00 in CASH. The winner was Ralph Leahy. Second Place Winner of $500.00 in CASH was Bill Mabee. The Third Place Winner of $500.00 in CASH was Peter Gray. Only 2,500 tickets were sold for this fundraiser and all the monies raised in this fundraiser go directly to and exclusively support the Port Orange Police Athletic League. The Port Orange P.A.L. sets forth a positive image, encourages team play, builds self-esteem, and encourages positive activity for youth within our community. The Port Orange Police Athletic League would like to thank all those individuals that purchased tickets to support the quality programs, activities, and interaction between law enforcement, community leaders with juveniles in our community.
The Volusia League of Cities announced that Mayor Allen Green was the recipient of the League's 2010 President's Award and Fire & Rescue's Division Chief Russ Rafferty was a finalist for the Employee of the Year. Mayor Green was one of three to receive the President's Award along with Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno and Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey. Chief Rafferty is one of the three finalists for the Employee of the Year Award. Mary Swiderski, Executive Director of the Volusia League of Cities, released the recipients and finalists names as part of the League's annual Distinguished Service Awards. The President's Award winners and final selection of the Service Award winners will be recognized and announced at the League's Annual Banquet scheduled for May 27, 2010.
With the influx of thousands of motorcycles to the area for the 69th Annual Bike Week, The Port Orange Police Department wishes to remind our citizens to "Look Twice and Save A Life". There are many individuals visiting our city on motorcycles that are unfamiliar with their destination and our citizens are urged to avoid any type of "Road Rage" situation or aggressive driving which could cause an accident, injury, death or arrest. Officers are encouraging our citizens to obey the stop signs, speed limits, and red lights. Leave early, stay calm, buckle up, and watch for motorcyle riders in the area. Look Twice and Save A Life, Motorcycles are Everywhere.