Ferguson Township Police Warn Against Phone Scams

Ferguson Township Police say they have been receiving continuing reports from residents about scam attempts by phone, email and text message.

According to a release from the department on Thursday, some of the scams recently reported to police include:

– A resident who received an email demanding money or the sender would proceed with a request to kill them.

– A text message  advising that the bank just needed 10 minutes of their time to resolve a problem.

– Text messages and emails advising residents the sender will pay the recipient to set up an apartment at an unknown location for them before they arrive in town.

– A phone call advising resident the caller was from the U.S. Department of Education and the resident owed money for student loans.

While police cannot stop these messages, they offer some advice to avoid becoming a victim.

– Don’t agree to anything over the phone. If a number appears on caller ID, search for its source on the internet, or contact local police and provide the number.

– Never follow instructions to purchase a money or gift card. Scammers will ask you to purchase a card, scratch off and read the numbers over the phone, allowing them access to your funds.

– Never click on a link in a questionable e-mail. If you want to follow up with a business or company you believe is attempting to reach you, use the internet to search for its URL address. You can also inform the company about questionable e-mails you receive. Legitimate companies appreciate your letting them know about any phishing attempts.

– Remember you cannot trust everyone who calls or emails you. Many scammers operate from outside of the United States and law enforcement does not have jurisdiction to prosecute or retrieve your money.