Versailles, In. — Ripley County Sheriff Jeff Cumberworth is warning the public about a recent scam involving gift cards.
Sheriff Cumberworth says, “Government agencies, retailers and service providers do not accept payment or process transactions using gift cards of any kind.”
Reports of scammers contacting area residents asking for payment using gift cards are under investigation. Gift cards are an attractive option for con artists because they transferable around the globe and nearly impossible to trace.
Officials say scammers can use technology that can make the number they are calling appear to be authentic when in reality it is not. When these techniques are used the scammers often go undetected by law enforcement.
Sheriff Cumberworth reminds residents to NEVER give personal information over the phone or in emails, especially if you did not initiate the service request. If a caller asks to complete a transaction using a gift card, residents are urged to hang up and call law enforcement. He adds that gift cards purchased from retailers, for the purpose of a gift, are completely safe.
