UPDATE – This weekend (December 28), a County 10 reader shared that these scam attempts are still going on.
“Hello, there is a scam going around about loved ones not appearing for federal jury selection. My wife was targeted. The individual identified himself to be LT. JASON COLE of Lander Sheriff’s Department, which later we found out was not true. The individual demanded $1200 to avoid not appearing charges and a false signature check to be done at the county clerk’s office in Lander. We agreed to pay $400, but had to use a MoneyPak card.”
The tipster also shared that they are working with FCSO right now to track the card’s use.
(Lander, WY) – Unfortunately, in addition to Christmas cheer, the holiday season also means a rise in scammers.
A December 18 post shared on the Lander Police Department Facebook page states that it appears as though some “miscreants” are “posing as imposters,” and “calling people in our community and soliciting payment.”
“No current or past member of the Lander Police Department will ever call you and solicit any means of payment over the phone, for any reason,” the post advises.
The post goes on to share the most common scams, which usually involve having to pay money to get money, having to pay for something using gift cards, or if someone says you won a prize and have to pay fees in order to receive it.
Other instances include:
- If the IRS or other financial institutions call and ask you for your personal information
- If you are asked to pay medical bills for a family member or public figure with gift cards
- If you are called about having an outstanding warrant and are required to pay a sum for the warrant to be quashed
- If you are called about a friend or family member being in jail somewhere and they need bail money
Back in late November and early December, there were several consumer and business fraud incidents reported in the LPD call logs as well.
One of those instances included a suspicious call from someone claiming the Border Patrol had seized a USPS package addressed to them.
In another incident, an employee at the Verizon Wireless store in Lander reported the attempted unauthorized purchase of a new cell phone under the plan of an existing customer.
Additionally, there was another report where an unknown caller identifying themselves as “Lieutenant Jimmy” phoned three guest rooms of a local hotel, attempting to pose as hotel management.
These incidents are all under investigation by the LPD.
The post shared by the LPD today also provided the following resources for folks who feel they may have been the victim of a scam:
- Fraud and Attempted Fraud online at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
- Report Cyber Fraud online at https://www.ic3.gov/