Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Warns About Recent Scam Calls

If scammers would only put as much effort into an honest day's work as they do trying to pull of these phony schemes! There's always something going around with these pukes trying to swindle people out of their money.

We'll start with the reminder that law enforcement agencies aren't going to call you and ask for any banking info over the phone. If you receive any sort of call that includes that request - it should be a HUGE red flag - and you shouldn't proceed with the conversation. From a KPAX article, it appears that people have recently reported that exact scenario to the Missoula County Sheriff's Office.

This isn't really any sort of new scam. It just seems like it's in the news because it's making the rounds again. A scammer will call, claim to be with law enforcement, say you owe money, and threaten arrest or jail time if a payment isn't made.

Here's what the Missoula County Sheriff's Office posted on their Facebook page when it comes to receiving these types of calls.

***SCAM ALERT***

Individual(s) are identifying themselves as law enforcement, specifically deputies from the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, and stating that money is owed, they must pay immediately or be arrested. Victims are then asked to provide information related to personal banking or other payment method to pay the bill.

Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, or any law enforcement agency, will not call and request banking or credit card information over the phone. If you receive a message stating that it is the Sheriff’s Office and you need to call and pay money owed, do not call the number listed.

This recording of a similar call from a couple years ago gives a good example of what to expect. And I particularly like how the guy can't pronounce Missoula. Ha.

Be safe and be smart! There are a lot of people out there trying to take advantage of others, especially in these crazy times.