The holiday season, the days from now through New Year’s Day, help take our minds off the everyday chores of life as we work toward times of family, friends and relaxation.
But as we go through this annual ritual, we must remember to always be on guard. There are those looking to steal from us in any way they can.
That’s the message the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office wants citizens to hear as the number of scam phone calls always increase this time of year.
Fannin County Investigations Captain Justin Turner says these callers know potential victims are more vulnerable during the holidays, so they work overtime.
Turner says all the usual attempts to relieve citizens of their hard earned cash are still out there. Scam callers want gift cards because your grandkids are in jail and can’t call for themselves. There’s the long running, “send a little money to claim your prize, and your huge cash reward will be sent to you.”
There are many that threaten to cut off your power or water, have you arrested, or in some way demand an immediate payment through intimidation and fear. And your bank or the IRS will never call wanting your personal information.
And now there’s a new scam. The first report was made to the sheriff’s office this past Friday.
A scam caller contacted the victim saying he was from Dish Network and offered to come out and adjust the person’s Dish. Dish will not do this. Customers have to call them.
The caller was smart and hung up. This is exactly what you should do, Turner says.
“Don’t be a victim of these thieves,” Turner warns. “Be on guard. If something sounds like a scam, it probably is.”