OCSD warns of a scam circling the area
Oktibbeha County, Miss. – Be Aware of a Raging Scam
The Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) has brought to light a new scam that has been circling their area. The fraudsters involved are impersonating the members of the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department and even going to the extent of spoofing the department’s office number.
How the Scam Operates
According to OCSD, the scammers contact unsuspecting victims claiming to be law enforcement officials, and demand payment over the phone. In some cases, the scammers ask the victims to purchase gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or Bitcoin and transfer the same to them. The Sheriff’s Department, however, has categorically stated that they never ask for or accept payment over the telephone.
Safety Tips to Stay Vigilant
The OCSD advises that while they may call you on police business, they will always want to conduct it in person. If you ever doubt the identity of the person calling, you are advised to hang up immediately and call the Sheriff’s Department number or the 911 center’s non-emergency line at 662-338-1084 and ask to speak to a Deputy.
OCSD also warned residents never to agree to pay any amount of money in any form except in person and never to give out personal information such as social security numbers or credit card numbers over the phone.
Scam Prevention Measures
Being aware of such scams and recognizing the signs are the first steps in preventing falling victim to these fraudulent activities. If you receive unsolicited or suspicious calls from individuals asserting to be law enforcement officers and asking for money or personal information, keep these tips in mind:
- Do not provide any financial information – Legitimate law enforcement agencies will not ask you to provide any financial data over the phone.
- Hang up – If you feel uncomfortable, hang up. You are not obliged to stay on the phone.
- Contact the agency directly – If you are unsure about the call’s authenticity, contact the relevant agency directly using a number obtained from their official website or a public directory. Do not use the number given over the phone.
Staying Aware and Alert
The Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department will continue working tirelessly to safeguard residents from such malicious scams. But it’s equally important for everyone to stay vigilant, primarily because these fraudsters keep innovating their scams with time.
Staying aware and promptly reporting these incidents can help curtail the reach of these scams, protecting oneself and the community at large. With the right knowledge and awareness, citizens can help authorities thwart these scammers and shield their community.
