MARSHALL, MI (WTVB) – The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents about two forms of scams that have been reported in the area.
They said in a news release that they have been investigating reports of internet and telephone scams. In some instances the caller may claim to be from the power company, informing the individual that their power will be shut off if the existing debt is not immediately paid. The caller then instructs the victim to obtain payment in the form of gift cards and to provide the scratch-off code from the back of the cards.
In other reports victims have answered online advertisements for computer service. The scammer will then inform the victim that they have inadvertently paid too much for the service rendered and request banking information so that the refund can be direct deposited. The victim is then informed that the refund deposited in their account was a clerical error and was too much.
The victim is instructed to obtain payment in the form of gift cards and to provide the scratch-off code. Oftentimes false I.P. addresses are used and bogus “spoof” phone numbers appear in the victim’s caller I.D.
If you questions about a business transaction or the form of payment requested, please refrain from providing any personal or financial institution information regarding your accounts.
