Victoria County Sheriff's Department Issues Scam Warning

Unfortunately scamming has become a part of life for most of us and here is another one that we need to be aware of in Victoria County. According to a Facebook post by VCSO, reports have been received a report of 'Deputy James Thompson' calling residents about Fail To Appear warrants from the Sherrif's Office main telephone number. Victoria County, Sheriff Marr, warns residents not to pay any fines online or with money cards. We do not have a deputy by that name. Please share this information with loved ones, especially Senior Citizens.

It seems that scam calls are just something that we have to learn to live with and unfortunately a majority of scammers target the elderly. I have read so many heartbreaking stories about Senior Citizens losing their life savings to scammers.

Many scammers have figured out countless ways to cheat you out of your money over the phone. In some scams, they act friendly and helpful. In others, they might threaten or try to scare you. Please send the link to this story or share these tips with your parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

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IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT IS!

THERE IS NO PRIZE:

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The caller might say you were “selected” for an offer or that you’ve won a lottery. But if you have to pay to get the prize, it is really not a prize!

YOU WON'T BE ARRESTED:

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Scammers might pretend to be law enforcement or a federal agency. They might say you’ll be arrested, fined, or deported if you don’t pay taxes or some other debt right away. The goal is to scare you into paying. Real law enforcement and federal agencies won’t call and threaten you.

YOU DON'T NEED TO DECIDE NOW:

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Most legitimate businesses will give you time to think their offer over and get written information about it before asking you to commit. Take your time. Don’t get pressured into making a decision on the spot.

THERE IS NEVER A GOOD REASON TO SEND CASH OR PAY WITH A GIFT CARD:

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Scammers will often ask you to pay in a way that makes it hard for you to get your money back — by wiring money, putting money on a gift card, prepaid card or cash reload card, or using a money transfer app. Anyone who asks you to pay that way is a scammer.
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES WON'T EVER CALL TO CONFIRM SENSITIVE INFORMATION:

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It’s never a good idea to give out sensitive information like your Social Security number to someone who calls you unexpectedly, even if they say they’re with the Social Security Administration or IRS.

For more information, you can visit the FTC website.