The Lapeer County Sheriff Department issued the following warning to their residents Wednesday:
Dear Citizens of Lapeer County,
Recently we have experienced an increase in scams against our elderly population. These scams are financially devastating to the victims as well as their families.
These scams also negativity impact people’s health through the stress and uncertainty that is created in their lives.
Scams usually, but not always, occur when someone receives a telephone call from a government entity like the IRS, Social Security Administration or even a Law Enforcement Agency.
The caller tells the person that they owe a sum of money and if they don’t pay they will face some type of penalty or prosecution.
The caller then would request money to be wired or they would want the victim to buy gift cards. The scammer then would request the pin number on the back of the gift cards or ask the victim to mail them.
If anyone ever calls and requests money over the phone or gift cards it’s usually a scam!
The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging everyone to be vigilant in combating this crime. We are asking that businesses that sell gift cards to check with the purchaser to make sure they aren’t being scammed.
If you are a customer in a store and you see someone buying a large number of gifts cards, please talk to them.
If you have elderly family members, please educate them about these scams. Not everyone is on our Facebook page or has our App on their phones.
We must, as a community, take care of our elderly population and look after them. These scams are not always easy to identify and can be very detrimental.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking everyone to get involved and let’s take a proactive approach to these crimes.
Respectfully,
Undersheriff Jeremy Howe
