SCAM alert - they got me

[bluepinecones]

Sharing in hopes this will save someone else from getting caught.

I am typically overly cautious to a fault but I have not been feeling up to par all summer and definitely not getting enough sleep. Apparently when that happens longterm the mind starts loosing alertness - at least I hope that is all it is.

I was a victim of a scam yesterday and lost a little over $3000.00.

Received an early morning call (before coffee) from someone claiming to be Deputy Walker with Madison County Sheriffs Dept saying I had outstanding warrants for arrest for failure to appear and contempt of court for ignoring a notice that had been mailed to me. Of course I had not received such a notice but I have had problems with missing mail so didn’t think it too unusual. At any rate was told the only way to avoid arrest today would be to pay fines and I could appeal at court next week and likely get refund for most of the fines.

I was also told Sheriffs Dept would only accept Green DOT MoneyPak cards which I could purchase at Kroger’s. The man kept me on the phone while I did that claiming it was required to be sure I didn’t skip out or get arrested if I encountered officers along the way who were in process of looking for me to serve warrant. I foolishly followed instructions and gave him the numbers from the purchased cards. I am still stunned that this didn't send up a red flag in my mind.

I then went to Sheriffs Dept were I was told it was a scam. Went back to Kroger’s to see if they could help stop payment on the cards or cash them for me. They were not able to help. I went home and called city police and have filed a report.

The phone number showed on caller ID as a local one and when I called it while police were here taking report the answering machine says Madison County sheriffs Dept all deputies busy, leave # and someone will return your call. Since the number was still active, police suspect they are still calling local residents. I was the 3rd person to report them yesterday. This SCAM is new to our area but apparently it has been around some other parts of the country for a while.

Please be very careful.

[cnq50b]

So, so sorry, Sarah. Thanks for sharing this scam with us - I'm sure it will save one of us from falling for it in a weak moment of panic.
Now get on with planning for your trip. As I said on FB, the gals you GTG with are sure to cheer you up & have you laughing again.
Take care, my dear friend.
Catherine

[snowball]

hate that this happened...wish that they would be able to find and prosecute the scumbags!!!
sheila

[avalen]

Oh so sorry Sarah, even though we all try to be vigilant on these matters,
there are times we get in a hurry to take care of things. Let the girls
at the gtg give you a smile and lots of belly laughs.

[havingfunnow]

So sorry these people got hold of you -- and thanks for alerting us! That sounds really scary!

Yes -- loss of sleep can easily lead to slower brain functioning. (This is the voice of experience speaking.)

I wish you lots of laughter and fun while camping. Better memories!

[monik7]

I'm so sorry Sarah, but commend your willingness to warn others. I know it's hard to stop blaming yourself but it could have happened to any of us. I hope you can put it behind you and get back to enjoying your travel and friends. Please know we thank you for letting us all know. (((((HUGS)))))
Sandi

[MandysMom]

Doubt it makes you feel better but this specific scam was talked about in our news tonight with a story about a young Mom in southern California who was taken for $1200. The point they made was Police Departments will NEVER call demanding money! And the scammers have figured out a way to make it appear it is from your local police. They said hang up and call your local police on their real phone number and report it. They also showed arrest of a whole group of these type scammers this past week in India and their connections here in the US who are the collection people who pick up your money. But like all scams it's whack a mole for law enforcement.
Sorry you were taken. That is why we simply ignore and our CPR stop blocker on any unknown calls.
Velda

[SoCalGalcas]

Sarah, I'm so sorry this happened to you. My daughter has been missing sleep lately, and she is very confused at times, so, I understand what you are going through.

A woman in San Diego just lost $65,000 with this type scam. Because of severe persistence the DA announced they caught a man here in town! It all goes through India tho so is difficult to catch the perpatators.

lyn

[snowball]

just watched a Dr Phil show on a cat fish type scam
if it does nothing more than bring it to the forefront and warn people out
there that these things do happen...made me wonder if Barbie should go on
Dr Phil I know that her dad wouldn't but again it would make people more aware
and she would get a paid for trip to CA haha...in some ways being totally off the wall
in others makes perfect sense
sheila