You know these scams are out there, you know you are the target and you have been warned.
The Tate County Sheriff’s Office is asking citizens to be aware of the latest scam circulating through the area.
Authorities are receiving reports of scammers claiming to be a sergeant from the Tate County Sheriff’s Office calling residents stating they have outstanding warrants for failing to report for jury selection in Oxford.
Individuals are asked to go to a kiosk and deposit money before going to the sheriff’s office at 1 Justice Drive in Senatobia to sign a signature pad verifying their signature.
The scammer claims TCSO will provide a cashier’s check to reimburse the money to them.
These calls are not originating from the Tate County Sheriff’s Office.
TCSO never calls and demands payment and never asks for personal information or payment over the phone.
If you receive a call from a potential scammer, hang up immediately and call TCSO at 662-562-4434.
FIVE STEPS TO AVOID A SCAM
1.) Be skeptical. If you don’t know the person, ask for a company name, address and phone number. Then do your homeworks and check the facts.
2.) Don’t trust callier ID. It’s too easy to create a caller ID.
3.) Don’t engage with the caller. They are gathering info on you. If they are legitimate, they have the data they need to do business with you. Let them do the talking and listen carefully. DO NOT GIVE OUT BANK ACCOUNT, SOCIAL SECURITY OR CREDIT CARD NUMBERS!
4.) Don’t be pressured. High pressure sales are a key indicator of a scam.
5.) Ask for a local contact. If they say they are from the police, courts, bank or business, go there and tell themwhat happened. Scams will give you a sob story saying they are a national organization. Remember, local folks know you and will help you.
Last but not least, call the Better Business Bureau, a local bank, police, sheriff similar office and ask if this is the way they do business. If you think you are being scammed, report it to somebody. That’s the only way it can be stopped.
