Sheriff Kevin Bean is warning Caldwell County residents, especially our elderly citizens, about several active scams that have recently been reported.
*Publishers Clearing House Scam
Scammers claim you’ve won a prize and must pay a fee or taxes to collect.
Truth: Publishers Clearing house never charges fees!
*Jail/Ankle/Rehabilitation Scam
Victims receive calls from “jail staff” claiming a loved one can be released from jail on an ankle monitor for a fee or the scammer can help get some type of rehabilitation program in the works for a fee. Also the scammer claims to be an officer from a real agency and says that you have a warrant or has missed jury duty and the only way to keep from getting arrested is to keep the scammer on the phone and go to a store and buy money cards and give the scammer the number off the back.
Truth: Law enforcement never asks for money, gift cards or anything of monetary value over the telephone.
*Work from home check scam
Scammers offer work from home jobs and send victims personal checks made out in their own name. Victims are told to write the check out to themselves and deposit into their own bank account and send the money to the scammer. The check later turns out to be fake or stolen, but by the time the bank discovers it, the money has already been sent and is gone. In most cases, the bank cannot refund the victim.
REMEMBER
Never deposit checks for someone you do not know. Never send money, gift cards, or wire transfers to strangers. Slow own and verify before taking action, no matter how urgent the scammer makes the situation sound. Talk to a trusted family member or call the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office BEFORE you send money, gift cards etc. “Scammers are becoming more convincing and are targeting trust and urgency. Please take a moment to verify before acting and don’t hesitate to reach out to us, ” Sheriff Kevin Bean.
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