Lawrenceburg Police: Scammers are Out in Full Force

Don't be fooled this holiday season.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – The Lawrenceburg Police Department says scammers are out in full force.

The latest scams appear to focus on Bitcoin and using QR codes. If someone asks you to withdraw money from a reputable financial institution and then tells you to go to a location that is not a reputable financial institution send it – it is a scam.

If you receive a notification of a debt or a failed transaction, hang up with who you are talking to, find a verified phone number or email for the company they say they represent, and verify the information yourself.

These scammers are using actual names and businesses to hide their scams.

If you receive a letter, email, phone call or text and it says or has one of the following, it’s a scam:

1. A check that you didn't expect, from a bank that you don't patronize
2. You won a large sum of money, but you need to pay the taxes first
3. You won a vehicle, but you need to pay the taxes first
4. Your friend, family member, or long lost cousin is in jail and they need bail money
5. You owe back property taxes, income taxes, or inheritance tax
6. You have a warrant from the IRS, Federal Marshals, or some other law enforcement agency.

No legitimate government agency, jail, sweepstakes, or prize center will ever ask you to pay with Apple gift cards, Walmart gift cards, or any other retail gift cards. In addition, no legitimate business person needs you to cash a check and send them money.

If you receive something from a government agency, verify that information directly with that agency with an address or phone number you locate yourself. If you receive a check from a bank, verify directly with the issuing bank that the check is valid and where it originated, also with an address and phone number you locate.