NATCHEZ — At least four people have become victims of scams in the past few weeks, Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins said Friday.

In one instance, the scammers call the victims, telling them they’ll send them a money order made out to them if the victims will cash it and end them back half the money, Mullins said.

In another, the victims are asked to be part-time “mystery shoppers.” They are asked to cash a scammer’s check and send half the money to the suspect by money order.

“The merchant or bank is out the money when the money orders come back no good,” Mullins said. “Then, the victims are liable for the money.”

If residents encounter either scam, they should call the Natchez Police at 601-445-5565, he said.

“Anyone that ever offers to send you a check and asks you to send cash back, it’s always a scam, and it’s never legiti