Beware of Convincing Scammers

A phone call received today by City Commissioner Clayton Lopez is a sobering reminder of just how convincing a phone scammer can be.

The scammer called pretending to be a geographically distant family member. The young man claimed to have been arrested for texting and driving after being involved in a car crash. The story told by the scammer was that he needed several thousand dollars to pay for an attorney.

The scammer then gave his potential victim a phone number that allegedly belonged to the lawyer and said the attorney would be waiting for his call.

At this point in the conversation, something seemed suspicious, and Lopez ended the call. A quick call to his family member proved that the entire thing was a scam. No one had been arrested.

Often these scammers pretend to be a grandchild or niece or nephew – a family member that is just off the radar.

KWPD Chief Sean Brandenburg says this is a reminder to be alert when anyone solicits money over the phone.

“These scammers can make a very convincing case,” he said. “If possible, attempt to call them back. It’s a huge red flag if they work to keep you on the call or ask for payment in money cards.”

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