Warrensburg Police Ask Residents To Be Vigilant Against Scams

The Warrensburg Police Department recently took to Facebook to warn area residents they've noticed an increase in scams and fraudulent activity over the last few weeks.

They provided some tips, which residents should keep in mind to protect themselves against people looking to separate them from their money.

Warrensburg Police note a couple of the scams that have been reported to them have scammers using real business names, specifically US Bank and Microsoft. The department notes many times scammers will use real business or agency names when engaging in perpetrating a scam. In fact, I recently received an email talking about my Wells Fargo bank account, the problem, I haven't done business with Wells Fargo in several years.

They go on to say to make their scam even look more legitimate, they can spoof real phone numbers. In other words, if you get a call, they can spoof a real phone number from a business or agency. Warrensburg Police say scammers have at times spoofed their phone numbers.

So what should you know to keep yourself safe besides scammers using real business names and spoofing phone numbers and imagery related to real company logos:

• Scammers usually tell you you've won a prize, there's a problem with your account, or some business you have with an agency that could be problematic for your life. Additionally, they use this information to pressure you to make a quick decision, before you have a chance to think through what they're telling you.
• They want you to pay or make the situation right in a certain way. Like payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency. Let's face it, most businesses or government agencies don't accept anything other than normal currency for payment.
• They may ask you to put a check in your bank account and give them the cash. The check, however, is no good and you'll be overdrawn after withdrawing the cash from the bad check.

Warrensburg Police also say you can protect yourself from scams by doing the following:

• Block unwanted calls and texts.
• Don't give out personal or financial information.
• Resist the temptation to act impulsively, legitimate businesses will give you time to think things through and make an informed decision.
• Never pay with odd forms of payment like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer. Additionally, never deposit a check you didn't expect to receive, or deposit and cash a check for someone that you don't know, or don't know well.

Additionally, always remember, if you're not sure if a solicitation you receive is real or not you can call back the business or agency you received the solicitation from and make sure it's legitimate. You can see the Warrensburg Police Department's Facebook post here.