Published: 6/30/2022 - ARK

SHERIFF KYLE HELTON OF THE GILES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT REMINDS THE PUBLIC TO BE WARY OF SCAM CALLS AFTER HAVING RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF SCAMS, INCLUDING FAKE CONTESTS LIKE THE PUBLISHER’S CLEARING HOUSE SCAM OR PRIZES YOU HAVE TO PAY SOMETHING TO CLAIM. THERE ARE NUMEROUS SCAM CALLERS WHO PRETEND TO BE LAW ENFORCEMENT, GOVERNEMENT RELATED OFFICES LIKE THE IRS OR SOCIAL SECURITY, OR “LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES” WHO THREATEN PEOPLE WITH WARRANTS, FEES, OR LEGAL ACTION IF THEY DON’T PAY OR PROVIDE PERSONAL INFORMATION. REGARDLESS OF THE STORY THEY TELL YOU - ANYONE WHO CALLS TO SOLICIT PERSONAL INFORMAITON, MONEY, GIFT CARDS, OR MONEHY TRANSFERS IS VERY LIKELY A SCAMMER. LAW ENFORCEMENT AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL NEVER CALL YOU TO DEMAND MONEY OVER THE PHONE. THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO IS HANG UP WITHOUT ENGAGING AND BE SELECTIVE ABOUT THE CALLS YOU ANSWER.