FAYETTE COUNTY SHERIFF WARNING OF PHONE SCAMS

  

Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek is warning residents about phone scams going on in the area.

The Sheriff’s Office has received numerous calls regarding scammers calling citizens claiming to be with Medicare, the IRS, or other agencies.

Korenek says that many of these groups operate outside the country where little can be done to put a stop to them, or take action against them. They often use software that will generate fictitious telephone numbers, or real numbers of someone not involved.

They repeatedly work their way through lists of phone numbers often using computer or “robo” calls until they get someone to answer.  The scammer will then try to claim the caller needs to give them personal information, wire money, or buy gift cards.

Korenek offered the following tips to help the public protect themselves:

If you don’t recognize the number, don’t answer the call. You can check the messages to see who called and if it is a call you need to return.

Do not give out any personal information over the phone unless you are absolutely certain of who you are speaking with.

If someone calls you claiming to be from the IRS, Medicare, etc., and you wonder if the call is legitimate, get off the phone, and call the agency yourself.

Don’t make payments by gift card, prepaid cards, or wire transfers.  These methods are often used by scammers because they are harder to trace.

If you can, use a call-blocking mobile app to screen your calls. Ask your phone service provider if they offer any blocking tools.