If someone claiming to be a detective calls and asks for money, hang up

REXBURG — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a warning after receiving reports that someone is impersonating a detective and asking the public for money.

The scammer, who officials say is from out of state, is calling people locally and demanding cash. Similar scams have been reported from law enforcement offices across the state and country.

“You do not need to bring us money or send money,” said Madison County Sheriff Cpl. Isaac Payne. “If you have any questions, feel free to call and talk to one of our actual detectives.”

If a scammer calls, here’s what to do:

• Know the common signs of a scam. Scammers typically ask for payment to be made by untraditional means, such as by paying at a store which has MoneyGram or Western Union service. Others request payment by requesting the purchase of pre-paid gift cards and ask for the numbers on the card.
• If you’re just not sure whether the call is a scam, ask questions such as asking for the billing office phone number and tell the caller you will call them back. Then verify the number is correct by checking your billing statement or looking it up online.
• If you’re fairly certain the call is a scam, hang up and block the phone number from calling you again.
• Report phone scams to the Federal Trade Commission online at ftccomplaintassistant.gov or by phone at 1-877-382-4357.
• Make sure your phone number is on the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. This is a free service. Calling lists are a common way for scammers to get phone numbers.