(Southeastern IN) – Indiana State Police Versailles Post Public Information Officer Sgt. Stephen Wheeles has a reminder about text scams.
Sgt. Wheeles posted on social media that he received an unsolicited message from someone pretending to be a legitimate company (pictured).
He says if you receive a text or email saying they’re from PayPal, Geek Squad, McAfee, or some similar company, these are 100% scammers looking for easy targets.
Wheeles says if you call them back, you would speak to a scammer who is likely in a foreign country, and they would try to gain access to your computer, electronic device, credit card or other personal information.
Sgt. Wheeles adds if you receive texts or emails from what seem like legitimate companies, you should be extra careful and do your research before taking action.
Although the e-mail looks legit at first glance, a closer look should generate some red flags, according to Wheeles. He offers the following hints:
Text came from a lengthy e-mail address with an unusual format.Addressed to ”Dear User”-Not personal and therefore can be sent out to thousands of potential victims at one time.Number listed is Toll free “1-808”-Appears close to “1-800” or other toll free numbers.Involves the purchase of Bitcoin to confuse potential victims and make it harder for victims to do their own research.Says it will appear on your bank statement in 24-48 hours-Scammers do this so you can’t immediately log on to your bank account to verify that you were actually chargedNon-professional language or grammar such as “Your order for purchase is under process,” “$499.99 will be taken out of your account by today,” “Looking ahead for your valuable feedback,” and “Kindly, don’t reply.”
