If it's too good to be true

The days of the Nigerian Prince asking for financial aid may have gone the way of the snake-oil salesman, but that hasn’t stopped scammers from evolving their tactics to find new victims.

The Saratoga Police Department has received several complaints recently about scams coming via phone, email and text to area residents. Everyone should use the utmost caution responding to voice or electronic communication from people they do not know and phone numbers or email addresses they do not recognize.

The scams can take many forms from a request for help to threatening the recipient. These might refer to a relative, such as a grandchild, with a medical or legal emergency. They could say someone has a summons, past due balance such as a tax lien, or any financial, government or legal matter that requires your immediate attention.

It is important to note government agencies such as the IRS or your local police will not call regarding tax or other legal forms. Do not offer credit card, banking or personal information on the phone, through text or email.

Never purchase gift cards to pay a legal obligation. The scammers will then tell you to read the card information over the phone. This is a fraudulent activity. Always know who you are talking to. Today, with artificial intelligence, it is sometimes possible to make a potential victim think they are talking to a trusted person, political figures, celebrities and sometimes even relatives. Never hesitate to verify the person or the purpose behind any communication from a company, agency, department or office that has contacted you about sending money. Do not send money for an employment or sweepstakes offer.

According to the AARP, $8.8 billion was lost in 2022 to scams. The majority of these scams do target the elderly. A person can avoid being a victim to this type of crime. If they have received a call, text or email that they question or suspect, contact the Saratoga Police Department 307-326-8316 immediately.