According to the Sedan Police Department, there are several phone scams that are ripping off unsuspecting victims in our area. One that has been very successful for the crooks is you get a call from someone posing as a family member saying your relative is sick, has been arrested, or is in serious trouble and needs money right away. Another is they pose as a court official, indicating that you failed to appear for jury duty and you need to pay a fine or you will be arrested. Further still, cons will pose as the police, saying you’ll be arrested, fined, or deported if you don’t pay taxes or some other debt right away.

Crooks will also pose, as someone from social security, claiming that covid-19 related closures mean your benefits will be suspended unless you verify your information. Information fishing also takes place by posing as the IRS or even your bank.

To protect yourself, be suspicious of any call from a government agency asking for money or information. Government agencies don’t do that; scammers do. Don’t trust the caller ID, even if it might look real call, that can be faked. Never pay with a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. If you’re asked to pay anything this way, it’s a scam.  And finally, check with the actual agency, person, or company. Look up the phone number yourself, don’t use the number they give you. Then call to find out why they are trying to reach you. The best advice is to just hang up if you suspect it's a scam.