The Howell County Sheriff’s Office is alerting citizens to an increase in scam attempts targeting residents, particularly those in faith-based communities. Scammers are using deceptive tactics to steal money and personal information, and we urge everyone to remain vigilant.
Scam Targeting Churchgoers
We have received multiple reports of scam text messages being sent to church members, falsely claiming to be from their pastor. These messages often request that the recipient purchase gift cards and send the card numbers as a supposed act of charity or assistance. Please be aware that legitimate pastors and churches will never request donations in the form of gift cards via text message or email. If you receive such a message, do not respond or engage. Instead, contact your church directly to verify any legitimate requests.
Bitcoin ATM Scams
Scammers are instructing victims to deposit money into Bitcoin ATMs, often under false pretenses such as paying off an urgent bill, posting bond, securing a prize, or helping a loved one. Once money is deposited into a Bitcoin ATM, it is nearly impossible to recover. If anyone directs you to use a Bitcoin ATM to send money for any reason, it is a scam. Always verify with a trusted source before making any financial transactions.
How to Protect Yourself:
Be cautious and skeptical of unsolicited contact.
Be wary of requests for personal information, especially by phone or email.
Do not provide personal information unless you initiated the contact.
Do not click links in unexpected emails or texts, even from companies you do business with.
Use official websites and avoid links from spam emails.
Do not pay with cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram unless you are absolutely certain of the recipient.
Block unwanted calls and text messages and avoid responding to unknown senders.
Ignore unexpected emails, especially those suggesting a failed login attempt or security issue.
If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is a scam.
If you are the victim of a scam or believe you have encountered one, report it to the Howell County Sheriff’s Office by calling 417-256-2544 or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or by calling 877-382-4357.
Remember:
Scammers typically rely on fear and urgency to manipulate victims. Taking a moment to verify requests and remain cautious can help protect you from becoming a victim. Please share this information with family, friends, and community members to help prevent further fraud.
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