KENNEWICK, Wash. — Kennewick Police Department is warning residents of an ongoing phone scam that targets elderly and vulnerable individuals, according to a KPD Facebook post. KPD said they’ve noticed a trend where a scammer will call a resident and sound very convincing using a made-up story that is usually “emotionally driven to take advantage of the victim.”
Fabricated stories scammers will tell residents is that the only way to avoid arrest is to pay a debt, or they need to help a family member who has been in an accident or was arrested, said KPD on Facebook.
AARP said, that scammers often pose as a representative from the IRS, Social Security Administration or even Amazon or Apple to try and gain your trust.
“The same holds if you get an urgent call from a grandchild in distress, or if someone you’ve gotten close to online suddenly seeks a loan. An ask for money via gift card means you’re dealing with a crook, not a loved one.” – AARP
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Scammers then try and convince the victim that they have to pay money ranging anywhere from $10 even thousands of dollars, by using a gift card. “Sometimes, the scammer even tells the resident not to tell anyone what the gift cards are for. Once the gift cards are…
