La Plata County Sheriff’s Office recently issued a warning to residents of continued phone scams that involve a caller who threatens people with arrest unless they send money.
“Scams come disguised in many ways, but all have two things in common. One, the callers want to steal your money; and two, if you send them money, they will call you again and again for more money until you stop paying them,” said Dan Bender, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office.
Some of the lies callers might use to trick residents into sending money include:
“You have a fine for missing jury duty. You must send money or you will be arrested.”“A friend or relative of yours is in jail. You must send money to get them out of jail.”“Your friend’s wallet or purse was stolen while on vacation. You need to send them money.”“You owe the IRS money. You must send them financial information over the phone or you will be arrested.”“You have committed a crime. You must send money over the phone or you will be arrested.”“You committed a crime. Give money for the victim’s psychological counseling or you will be arrested.”“A federal warrant was issued for your arrest. The only way to avoid arrest is if you provide credit-card information, or go to a store to buy a money card, and then call back or wait for a call so you can provide the money-card-code number over the phone.”Callers often pretend to be from local, state or federal police or government agencies and use the Internet to research potential targets.
“As long there are victims who will send money, phone scams are here to stay,” said Bender.
fstone@durangoherald.com
