Email and phone scams apparently are making the rounds in Bladen County, says Sheriff James McVicker.
“Sadly, email and phone scams like these prey on the elderly, the desperate of the good hearted friend,” McVicker said. “If you have any doubt about whether an email or phone call is legitimate, get as much information as you can for a contact person and then hang up and contact your police or sheriff’s department.”
The phone scam that’s been reported in Bladen involves someone calling your cell phone or house phone and telling you they represent a government agency that is awarding $9,000 to “good citizens” to help stimulate the economy, McVicker said. You are told to send the company a $270 money order to cover “processing fees” in order to receive the $9,000. The company cashes the $270 money order and does not send $9,000.
The email scam happens when a hacker gains access to your email account, then sends an email to everyone on your contact list saying that you are on vacation in a foreign country and have had all your money and credit cards stolen, McVicker said. You need the person on your contact list to wire you money through Western Union or put money on a pre-paid credit card so you can get home.
McVicker said many times these scammers are located in countries thousands of miles away and the chances of locating and convicting them are not likely.
“Never give out you social security number, date of birth, credit card or banking information over the phone or by internet unless you initiate the contact,” McVicker said.
If you suspect a scam, call the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 862-6960.
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