The La Plata County Sheriff’s Office is warning of multiple phone scams circulating in the area, along with an uptick in mailbox thefts.
Several residents have reported receiving phone scams during the past couple of days, including one in which the caller claims a person’s loved one, perhaps a son or mother, was involved in a car crash and didn’t pay for car repairs as required. The caller claims to be holding the loved one hostage until money is sent, Sheriff’s Office spokesman Dan Bender said.
A variation of the scam involves callers saying a loved one was in a car crash, and when law enforcement responded, they found the driver had a warrant. The scammer then says money needs to be sent to ensure the person’s release.
Multiple residents have reported recent calls from someone claiming to be with the IRS, Bender said. The caller says the person owes money, and if they don’t go to Rite Aid or Walgreens to send money immediately, the person will be arrested today.
As of Friday afternoon, the Sheriff’s Office was unaware of anyone who had fallen victim to any of the scams, Bender said.
Finally, several residents have reported items being stolen from mailboxes along County Road 514 and Colorado Highway 172. Bender reminded residents to check their mailboxes daily or as soon as possible after mail is delivered. If people are gone for vacation, they should stop their mail or have someone else pick up mail or packages.
“We see this occur every Christmas season throughout the county,” Bender said. “Any area, particularly rural areas, are subject to being victimized.”
shane@durangoherald.com
