Another scam is being reported by area law enforcement. The Howell County Sheriff’s Office states it has received numerous calls from citizens advising they have received a call from an unknown source stating a family member has been kidnapped.
According to a Facebook post from the sheriff’s office, the caller(s) demand money via gift cards in exchange for a family member being returned safely. Citizens also claim the phone number on the I.D. appears to be local. The sheriff’s office states phone numbers used for these scams are easily fabricated and typically do not reflect the actual phone number being used to contact potential victims.
Anyone receiving a similar call is asked to contact the Howell County Sheriff’s Office at 417-256-2544, and contact the family member in question to confirm his or her safety. Anyone needing assistance assistance in checking a family member’s well-being should contact the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the area the family member lives and request a well-being check.
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