Active Scams and Information

SCSO SCAM Alert (1)

The Sublette County Sheriff's Office urges residents to become familiar with signs of a scam to avoid becoming a victim. While phone scams are most common, these scams can also take other forms such as over text or email. As technology changes daily, scam artists are finding easier creative ways to initiate scams on unsuspecting victims. There are steps you can take to ensure you don’t become a victim. It’s important to know the signs of a potential scam and share these with friends and family. Below is a list of common red flags and things you can do should you encounter a scam. 

How to ID possible scams

What should I do?

As soon as you recognize a possible scam, hang up the phone immediately. Do not attempt to engage the caller or threaten them. You never know who you are dealing with on the other end of the line. If you find yourself engaged with a scammer be cautious, these scammers may threaten to come find you as in some cases, they may even know your address. It’s safest to simply hang up and block a number of known scammers.

Most current Smartphones have features that allow users to block individual numbers to prevent repeat phone calls. This feature unfortunately does not work on landlines. There are also several smartphone applications available to help identify or block incoming phone calls from known scammers. The Federal Trade Commission also provides the National Do Not Call List Registry (https://www.donotcall.gov/) where anyone can sign up for any phone number to avoid telemarketing calls. The registration does not expire but only applies to the specific phone number registered. Keep in mind, however, this only affects telemarketers, and you may still receive legitimate phone calls from other organizations such as charities, political groups, debt collectors, and for surveys.

If you ever receive a phone call that you believe may be legitimate, kindly ask for information from the caller such as the caller’s name and the company. Then search for the company on the Internet and find a contact number or email address. If the call was legitimate, it should be easy to verify its legitimacy by contacting the company directly at a known number or address. Legitimate companies normally do not mind you verifying directly. Remember to never give personal information to an incoming caller. If you have questions about the legitimacy of a check or financial transaction, it is best to call your bank to inquire about its validity. You can read more and find common scams at https://www.usa.gov/common-scams-frauds

If you lose money in a scam or receive threats of physical harm or violence, you should report it to the Sheriff's Office immediately. 

  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Resist the pressure to make an immediate decision. Fraudsters create a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly.
  • Verify the information before sending any money.
  • Never wire money based on a request made over the phone or in an e-mail. Keep in mind that wiring money is like giving cash—once you send it, you cannot get it back.
  • Don't do business with people you don't know who solicit you by telephone or over the Internet. Never give out bank account or credit card numbers or personal information to solicitors.
  • Stop and take a breath. Scammers will put you on the spot and make you feel rushed
  • Collect your thoughts. If the call seems suspicious, it probably is
  • Act swiftly, disengage the caller and hang up the phone
  • Make a report with local law enforcement


National Elder Fraud Hotline

Elder Fraud Hotline

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