SPD sees increase in scam screen calls

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the dollar amount that people reported losing to fraud (scams) in 2022 is approximately $8.8 billion. According to the commission’s data, that number is 30% over the year before.

During such a busy online shopping season, Chief of the Sheridan Police Department, Travis Koltiska, and Captain Tom Ringley wanted to ensure the public was aware of a new phone number that can be called to aid them against scammers. 

Capt. Ringley said Sheridan PD’s new scam screen calls are already receiving an increased number of calls this shopping season.

Capt. T. Ringley 

The FTC also advises that scammers will often ask you to pay in a way that makes it hard for you to get your money back — by wiring money, putting money on a gift card, prepaid card or cash reload card, or using a money transfer app. Anyone who asks you to pay that way is a scammer.

Scammers might pretend to be law enforcement or a federal agency. They might say you’ll be arrested, fined, or deported if you don’t pay taxes or some other debt right away. The goal is to scare you into paying. But real law enforcement and federal agencies will not call and threaten you.

Should an offer look too good to be true while shopping, it often is. Be critical of any online stores offering items for a severely reduced price. 

If you feel you may be receiving calls from scammers or an online deal looks questionable, call the Sheridan Police Department for advice at 672-2413.