The Sequim Police Department is warning area residents of a new mail scam involving unsolicited packages, City of Sequim officials said last week.

A local resident received a package in the mail containing a check for $1,988 from Henry Dixon through Hometown National Bank; the package included elaborate instructions on how to deposit the check.

The recipient was then instructed to “scratch” the cards and send pictures of the scratch page of the cards and the receipts to a specific email or text number.

If cashed, the checks will later return with insufficient funds, police said in a press release last week. “In these cases, the person who deposited the check will likely lose any money spent from the account.”

Residents who receive packages they suspect are a scam are encouraged to notify the Sequim Police Department at 360-683-7227.