York County police warn of scam posing as cancer-prevention nonprofit

York County Regional Police are warning the public about a scam involving a cancer-prevention nonprofit, according to a news release.

The scammers are posing as representatives of the Prevent Cancer Foundation and are sending checks to citizens by priority or certified mail, according to police and the nonprofit organization. The recipients are asked to purchase gift cards or provide information as part of the scam.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation said in a news release that it is aware of scams in York County, Pennsylvania, and Kewanee, Illinois.

“We want to be clear: The Foundation will never send you a check and ask you to purchase gift cards on our behalf,” the release states.

The nonprofit thanked law enforcement for its work in identifying the scam, and it reminds the public to “remain vigilant and verify charitable organizations before donating.”

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by mail fraud or a scam should report it to law enforcement immediately, York County Regional Police said.

A complaint also can be filed with the Federal Trade Commission online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), police said.