SPD will give presentations on scam red flags

During an appearance on Sheridan Meida’s Public Pulse, Chief of the Sheridan Police Department Travis Koltiska and Captain Tom Ringley reported an increase in reports of scamming. 

Although we may see it reported on in the media more frequently, scams have always plagued society. The SPD Chief said the crime of scamming has increased and evolved with the technology we use. 

Chief T. Koltiska

Koltiska said scammers today have multiple avenues to access potential victims and with the advent of robo-dialing programs, sophisticated catfishing techniques and new artificial intelligence programs that can synthesize voices of trusted officials and local law enforcement, the challenges for Sheridan residents to identify a scam continue to mount. 

Once a scammer has been paid through gift cards or other untraceable techniques, it becomes extremely challenging for law enforcement to recover any lost funds. Many of these scams operate outside of the US, creating even more barriers for law enforcement. 

The best technique is to avoid being scammed. To help with this, officers will gladly help residents to identify potential scams. Residents are invited to go into the police department and ask if a text, email or phone call may be a scam. SPD Officer Elizabeth “Liz” Schafer has also taken the initiative to provide scam presentations to any group or organization in the community who would like to schedule one. 

The Captain said that many attempted scams likely go unreported and if residents would like to come into the department, be aware they will always err on the side of caution.  

Capt. T. Ringley 

To learn more about planning a presentation on scams, contact the SPD, learn how by clicking here.