Phone scams hitting Douglas County residents

The Douglas County Sheriff's Department is warning residents of a series of scams that have been targeted at residents. Even though the recent reports have been in Douglas County, all people should be aware as the criminals know no county, or state lines.

In what is known as the IRS Scam, a caller identifies himself/herself as an agent and suggests the resident contacts their lawyer, or pay an unspecified amount or the sheriff’s office will come and arrest you. The IRS will not call and demand money from you over the phone. Report this type of scam to www.TIGTA.gov or refer to the IRS website.

The next scam circulating happens when a caller identifies themselves as a representative from the Gas Company or Power Company and will advise that if they are not paid, your service will be shut off. They will ask you to purchase loadable debit cards and provide them with the number. If your account is in question contact the specific company from a trusted number that you obtain from your utility bill and discuss your issue with them. Do not rely on the number that is given to you.

A new scam has just surfaced where a caller identifying himself/herself as a representative from a bank. This person asks for your bank card information, name, date of birth and social security number. Again, do not provide this information to the caller and contact your local bank if you believe there is an issue with your debit/credit card. Banks do not call you for information.

A family crisis scam that may get its origins from social media is where caller presents themselves as a family member in need of bail money as they have just been arrested. Then, a person claiming to be a lawyer comes on the line and gives a story and the amounted needed to get the family out of jail. As mentioned above they ask for a prepaid debit card to pay the fines. Call your family member or other family and confirm they have been arrested. Many scam artists find information on Facebook that may lead you to believe the truth of the story as they know names and locations.

Sgt. Pat Brooks of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office says most of these scams originate outside the United States and use techniques to make the call appear inside the United States. He warns to not fall prey to the scam artists. They are forceful and insight fear tactics to get what they want and to hang up on them.