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The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office hosted a media briefing Wednesday to offer tips to help people avoid falling victim to a range of recent scams. These scams can come by email, phone, text or various online apps. Investigators encourage people to report all scam attempts to law enforcement and provided the following guidance to help people recognize and avoid being scammed: Red flags that something may be a scam:
• Someone claiming to have “insider” information
• Offering opportunities to make large amounts of money
• Fraudulent websites or phone apps
• Unsolicited assistance and advice
• Unable to meet in person
• Keeping you on the phone and not allowing you to call back. This prevents the scam victim from being able to verify the caller is who they claim to be
• Requests for money or personal information
• Fake emergency scenarios • Someone you know was in a car accident and you need to transfer money • Someone you know is in jail and you need to transfer money Tips for avoiding cryptocurrency scams:
• Do not respond to random messages from unknown numbers or profiles
• Use caution with what information you share online. Even information that appears harmless may be used by a scammer
• Use caution on social media and online dating sites
• Be especially careful of unsolicited financial, investment, cryptocurrency advice
• Never share your personal financial information, especially with someone you have never met
• Cease all communications of you are asked to transfer money, buy gift cards, or provide identifying information
