February 26, 2021
We have heard information this week during performance radio news from the SD Office of Consumer Protection. Along with the scammer calls, texts and emails that they hear from SD residents. Their website consumer.sd.gov has a variety of helpful information. From clarity on laws dealing deceptive trade practices, telemarketing laws and online app safety guidelines for Facebook, Snapchat and twitter. Or just learning the 15 apps the parents should be aware of on their kids devices. Some of those apps to watch for: Whisper, Ask.fm and Calculator which is used more for hiding photos, content and browser history and not for math or algebra. In a simpler time there were less problems to watch for but we can be informed and use the Office of Consumer Protection to help.
NKY Police: Scam calls targeting seniors claim relative needs bail money
Calls received in Boone, Kenton counties
Scripps
and last updated 2021-02-26 23:42:20-05
Two Northern Kentucky police agencies are warning about a new round of scam calls in which callers ask seniors for money to bail a relative out of jail.
Police in Boone and Kenton counties said the scam caller portrays themselves as one of the victim s family members, like a grandchild or a nephew, and says they have been involved in a crash and are under arrest.
Then, in a very convincing follow-up call, someone posing as a lawyer will instruct the victim to hand over cash for reduced bail between $10,000 and $15,000. A courier or bail bondsman is sent to the victim s home to collect the money. The Kenton County Sheriff s Office said some victims have been instructed to provide gift card numbers over the phone as payment.
The Office of Consumer Protection for the state of SD is your resource for important consumer information. They have dedicated resources to guard against scam artists seeking to take advantage of South Dakotans. We have heard about how they research current events and follow weather conditions in areas that they are focusing on to gain trust from people that they intend on separating from their money. If you have found that you have given information to a possible fraudulent scammer what should you do next. We hear from Jody Gillaspie with the Consumer Protection Office.
Debt collection is a common call for many people having difficulties with keeping up with medical bills or other debts. The threat of consequences from an outstanding debt can be upsetting and leave the called person desperate to clear the issue up. Scammers have been using fake debt collection as a tactic for some time. Gillaspie tells what you should do if you receive a call about a debt.
With each form of communication that you use. Home phone and cell phone, email and text messaging on your mobile device scammers are active every day. We hear
Whether they show up in an email, text message or phone call, fraudulent scammers are abundant. The Office of Consumer Protection with the State of South Dakota