The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) has issued a warning to the public regarding a series of fraudulent activities that have been taking place lately. These scams are being carried out through various mediums such as phone calls, text messages, and online platforms. The perpetrators of these scams usually demand payment in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency. Shockingly, some scammers even impersonate law enforcement officers and falsely claim that the victim has a pending court warrant and needs to pay a fine using gift cards or cryptocurrency. It is essential that everyone remains vigilant and cautious to protect themselves from falling prey to these scams.
There’s another scam making rounds these days, where an employee is contacted by someone pretending to be from their own company. The scammer convinces the employee to take photos of fire extinguishers, pretending that they need to check if they’re expired. Once the photos are sent, the employee is asked to pay a fine, which can only be done using gift cards or cryptocurrency. Another type of scam involves victims receiving emails or text messages from what appears to be a reputable business, asking them to call a specific number for help. It’s important to stay vigilant and be aware of such scams in order to avoid falling prey to them.
It’s common for scammers to keep their victims on the phone for a long time while they make fraudulent payments or withdrawals. They may go as far as to provide the victim with a pre-written script to use in case they get questioned by bank tellers. What makes these scams appear more authentic is that the scammers often have access to some personal information about the victim or the targeted company.
It is important to note that law enforcement agencies never ask for payments over the phone, particularly in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency. In order to avoid falling victim to scams, individuals should exercise caution when posting personal information on social media platforms. If anyone demands payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency, it is recommended to verify the authenticity of the request by contacting the agency or company using a publicly listed number.
If you come across a scam, the best thing to do is to report it immediately. You can contact the CSPD at 719-444-7000 or reach out to your local jurisdiction. Alternatively, you can also report the scam to the Internet Crime Complaint Center by visiting their website at www.ic3.gov. It’s important to take action and report any fraudulent activity to prevent others from becoming victims.
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