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The General Investigations Unit of the Jackson Police Department has noticed an increase in the amount of scams reported. Most of these incidents involve a phone call from scammers who claim that they are representatives of a business or a government agency. While the individual scams vary, common themes are that the victim owes money to a business, has been overpaid by the US Government, or that the victim owes fines to a Court or Law Enforcement agency. The scammer will often request that the victim pay the debt or fines with gift cards, by money transfer through Walmart, or through a payment app.
Citizens are reminded that government agencies conduct business via the mail and that fines or fees are never collected over the phone. Citizens should also be aware that legitimate businesses and government agencies never ask for payment in gift cards, by money transfer through Walmart, or by payment apps.
If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a person demanding money from you over the phone, simply hang up. An actual business or government agency will contact you in writing through the US Postal Service. If you are suspicious of anyone asking you for money over the phone, contact the Jackson Police Department before you give them any payment. The simplest rule to remember is that if someone ask you to pay with a gift card or money transfer over the phone, it is a scam!