RIDGWAY – State police in Ridgway have issued a scam alert after receiving a report of a new scam in the area.
According to police the scam starts through phone contact. A caller states that they are with the FBI and they advise the person on the other end that they owe money.
Police said that in one specific call the scammer stated that the money was for back taxes.
The scammer instructs the victim that they need to wire the money to them to avoid prosecution.
Police ask that if residents receive a call from an alleged law enforcement officer to advise the caller that you need to contact your local police department and involve them before you offer your cooperation.
Residents are reminded to be cautious when contacted by phone or email about sending money for anything. Also be cautious about providing information to anyone unless you are the one who initiated the contact.
Police also listed two common scams seen in the area:
-You won the lottery and need to send money for the taxes and insurance before they can send you the money. You never receive any money because the lottery is bogus.
-A person calls or emails you asking for help. They send you a fake cashier’s check asking you to cash it for them. They have you keep some of the money and wire the rest back to them. Several days later the check is returned to the bank and you are stuck paying the bank back all of the money.
