In response to a rise in scams targeting Baxter County residents, KTLO hosted Sheriff John Montgomery on Thursday morning for a live call-in program.Listeners were given the opportunity to call in with questions during the show or submit questions in advance by email.
Listen:
The call-in program drew strong interest from the community, as residents were able to hear directly from the sheriff’s office about the growing concern of scams in the area, giving the public a platform to raise concerns and seek guidance on the issue.
Sheriff John Montgomery has shared a list of warning signs to help residents avoid falling victim to scams.
Residents are urged to be cautious and watch for these red flags:
– When they tell you not to call law enforcement;
– If you are instructed to go to your bank and make a withdrawal of cash;
– If you have to pay anything, even one dollar to receive a prize;
– When you are instructed to buy any type of gift card and either mail it somewhere or give them the number on the back;
– You receive a call saying they are from the IRS. IRS doesn’t call you;
– You receive a call from a relative saying they are in jail, but they don’t want you to call anyone to verify;
– You receive a call saying you missed jury duty and you will be arrested if you don’t pay. Law enforcement does not call you like this;
– If something pops up on your computer screen tell you to call Microsoft or Google;
– Anyone who asks for your social security number or back account number;
– Someone claiming to be from Medicare wanting your personal information. They already have it;
– Someone claiming that you won a prize but you didn’t enter any contest or drawing;
– Someone calling claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office about a friend or relative who is in jail or was just released from jail wanting money to get them out or keep them out. Law enforcement does not do that;
– You receive a call from your bank or credit card company saying there is fraudulent activity on your credit card or debit card. DO NOT TALK WITH THEM. HANG UP AND CALL THE PHONE NUMBER ON THE BACK OF YOUR CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD;
– Keep this a secret and don’t tell anyone;
– If they tell you to lie to your bank or family.
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