Over the past several days, police have reported an increase in phone and email scams where the victim receives some ominous threat that can only be resolved by sending money to the scammer.
Law enforcement officials remind everyone that legitimate government business is not conducted via Bitcoin machines, kiosks in stores or with Apple Music gift cards.
Recently, there was a case where a would-be victim was called by someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer.
A message was left on their voicemail.
“This is Capt. (name withheld) of the (name withheld) police department looking to establish contact with Mr. (name withheld). This is in regards to legal court matters, and it does require you to give me a call back. Thank you … ”
The would-be victim called back and was told there was a warrant out for their arrest for “missing jury duty,” and the only way to avoid going to jail was to pay cash in person. The cash was a $2,000 fine for “failure to appear” and “contempt of court.”
The would-be victim was told to go to a CVS, Walgreen’s or Office Max and pay the fine at a Money Pak or Green Dot kiosk.
Eventually, the scam was uncovered after a family member called the police department on another phone, while the would-be victim was still on the line with the caller.
RELATED: AG Marshall cautioning Alabamians about ‘increasingly sophisticated’ phone scams
They were told Capt. (Name withheld) had been recently promoted and was, obviously, not on the phone.
The would-be victim told the caller, “You’re not Capt. (name withheld), we spoke to the police department and he was promoted.” The caller replied, “Are you sure?” and hung up.
Police advise anyone who receives a call about pending criminal charges for some obscure reason, simply hang up.
Other tips:
- If you get an email or text from someone claiming to be with a government agency where they are soliciting money or personal information from you, delete it.
- Never give personal information to a stranger over the phone, especially when it’s a received call.
- Never send money, gift card information, or Bitcoin information to someone you do not know.
- If someone claims to have “hacked” your computer or phone, take it to a trusted business that offers phone or computer repair services instead of sending money or gift card information to a stranger.
If you are uncertain, call the police department and tell them what is going on.
“The bottom line is if the call sounds suspicious or the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Czeskleba said.
Courtesy of 256 Today.
