I have had a great number of scam complaints from county residents this week. It appears that the familiar IRS scam has increased greatly. Many people are reporting that there are messages on their answering machines to return a call to the IRS or they will bill prosecuted as they owe back taxes. Dozens of these complaints have been reported this week alone in our county.
Another scam is the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. Residents are stating that they are receiving phone calls that they have won a new car and $25,000,000. 00 and a date given when they will show up to present the prizes to the resident and before the call ends, they are requesting the resident to provide their bank account information so they can deposit the money before arrival, another twist is they are requesting a money order to process the transaction.
Other scams are callers claiming to be relatives in trouble and needing money ASAP, callers claiming to be federal agents with warrants for residents and in order to not be arrested they have to wire money, etc. etc. are still around.
The main thing to remember is: IF SOMETHING SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE–IT IS A SCAM, AND NEVER GIVE OUT PERSONAL INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE OR COMPUTER.
If at any time you have a concern about a possible scam, contact your local law enforcement at once.
Thank you
Sheriff John D Merchant
Brown County Sheriff’s Office
709 Utah Street
Hiawatha KS 66434
(785) 742-7125
