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SBSO WARNS RESIDENTS ABOUT INCREASE IN FRAUD CASES AND SCAMS
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to remain alert for a variety of scams that our detectives continue to investigate involving identity theft, fake prizes, cryptocurrency schemes, fraudulent apartment rentals and impersonation scams, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
Recent reports have involved scammers posing as bank representatives, security officials, business owners, landlords and prize representatives in order to trick victims into sending money or providing sensitive personal and banking information.
In several cases, victims were convinced to send money through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency kiosks, mobile payment apps and online payment platforms. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Bureau have also investigated reports involving stolen identities being used to fraudulently obtain loans and credit accounts.
Sheriff Pohlmann urges residents to be cautious anytime someone requests money, banking information or personal identifying information over the phone, online or through social media. He said residents should slow down, verify who they are dealing with and never send money or personal information to someone they do not personally know and trust.
“Scammers are becoming more convincing and sophisticated every day,” the Sheriff said. “They often create a sense of urgency or excitement to pressure victims into acting quickly before they have time to think things through.”
The Sheriff offers the following tips to help residents avoid becoming victims of fraud:
⚠️Never send money, gift card numbers or cryptocurrency to someone you do not know personally.
⚠️Be cautious of anyone claiming you won a prize or sweepstakes, but requiring payment upfront for taxes, shipping or processing fees.
⚠️Do not provide personal, banking or credit information to unsolicited callers, emails or text messages.
⚠️Be wary of anyone claiming to represent a bank, technology company or government agency demanding immediate action.
⚠️Never allow unknown individuals remote access to your phone or computer.
⚠️Research rental properties independently and avoid sending deposits before verifying listings in person whenever possible.
⚠️Watch for red flags such as requests for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency machines, wire transfers or payment apps.
⚠️Review your bank statements and credit reports regularly for suspicious activity.
⚠️Talk with elderly family members about common scams, as scammers often target senior citizens.
Residents who believe they may have been targeted by a scam are encouraged to contact their financial institution immediately and report the incident by contacting the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501.
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