NORTON — Police were able to foil a gift card scam attempted on a local resident Wednesday and say she was one of numerous reports of calls from grifters hoping to dupe people out of hundreds of dollars.
Lt. Todd Jackson said police are aware of several money scams involving a victim purchasing gift cards for telephone callers posing as workers for Amazon, credit card companies, financial institutions and even the IRS.
One woman purchased $2,500 worth of Apple gift cards for someone claiming to be an Amazon employee and texted him photos of the serial numbers, Jackson said.
The numbers would have allowed the scammer to cash in the cards. But Officer Kevin Schleicher was able to get the cards canceled when the victim immediately contacted police, Jackson said.
“The Norton police department wants to remind citizens that these companies do not engage in seeking payment by gift cards or money sharing apps,” Jackson said.
Police have also had reports of callers claiming that a relative was in an accident, arrested or in the hospital and needs cash. They often know the relative’s name and personal information to appear more convincing, Jackson said.
Often times, the scammers threatened the intended victim that the police will be involved for failure to pay fees or fines by gift cards they demand.
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