CEDAR CITY – Authorities issued a warning Wednesday advising the public about another phone scam.
The Iron County Sheriff’s Office filed a report this week of a resident who said he had received a phone call from someone impersonating a federal agent, said Lt. Del Schlosser.
The caller told the victim the call was their second notice and final attempt to help him avoid an initial appearance before a magistrate judge or grand jury for a federal criminal offense.
The person then went on to provide instructions by telling him to call 301-202-3940 and speak to a federal agent.
“He was aware of this type of a scam,” Schlosser said. “So he didn’t call back. But we want to make sure no one else does either.”
Police are advising the public if they receive a similar phone call, do not send money or give out any personal information. If the caller leaves a message, do not reply.
Please report all suspicious activity to the Iron County Sheriff’s Office at 435-867-7500 or your local police agency.
“It’s the same thing we always say in cases like this. Do not give out any personal information including social security numbers, bank accounts, credit card information or even your physical address over the phone to someone you don’t know,” Schlosser said. “We just do not want anyone to fall victim to these scams. Whether it’s this phone scam or it’s another type of phone scam, no one in authority in the federal government or likewise is going to ask you for personal information over the phone.”
Federal agents also do not handle criminal offenses in this manner, he added.
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I’m aware of LOTS of southern Utah residents (all seniors) being told they’ve won millions of dollars from Publishers Clearing House, and all they need to do is send in a little money to cover some fees and voila: someone shows up on your door with a giant check. Unfortunately they fall for it, imagining all the ways they could bless their kids and grandkids lives with the money. Before you know it their bank accounts are empty and it’s had the exact opposite affect. Very sad!