The Mountain Home Police Department has issued a warning to area residents of five scams they have received reports of this year where people have lost thousands of dollars since Jan. 4. Police say despite ongoing local and national warnings, these scams continue.
They say residents need to start real conversations, especially with those facing loneliness. If someone mentions a “friend” they’ve only interacted with online, through text, or over the phone, but never met in person, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement.
Here are five scams the Mountain Home Police Department has received reports of so far this year:
FEDERAL AGENT GIFT CARD SCAM
On April 14, a woman reported losing $9,500 after being threatened with federal charges by a scammer posing as a federal agent. She was instructed to buy and send gift card codes.
PUBLISHERS CLEARING HOUSE SCAM
On April 12, a man sent $500 via prepaid debit cards to someone claiming he’d won a prize. The scammer continued to request more money afterward.
TECH SUPPORT GIFT CARD SCAM
On March 10, a man responded to a fake computer alert claiming his account was at risk. He bought $5,000 in Home Depot gift cards and sent the codes to the scammer.
BITCOIN/GIFT CARD SCAM ATTEMPT
On Feb. 5, a woman was told her personal info had been stolen and was directed to a Bitcoin machine. She stopped before sending money but was later locked out of her bank and had fraudulent credit accounts opened in her name.
ROMANCE/INVESTMENT SCAM
On Jan. 4, a woman sold her house and sent $110,000 via Bitcoin to a man she’d only spoken to by phone over two years. He claimed he was helping her buy a new home, then disappeared.
Police say they may not always recover the money or catch the scammer, but they can help stop it before it goes further.
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