NORTHWOOD — Worth County authorities are warning North Iowans to hang up on scammers after two local residents were recently manipulated into sending money.
The Worth County Sheriff’s Office said it has seen an uptick in phone scams since May 1, including two cases where scammers successfully stole money from county residents.
In one case, a teenager lost $300 after a caller falsely claimed to be law enforcement. The scammer told the teen a fine was owed and demanded immediate payment to avoid arrest.
In another case, an elderly resident lost $500 after a caller falsely claimed to be with Publishers Clearing House. The scammer told the resident that after the $500 was paid, $27,000 in winnings would be transferred to the person’s bank account.
“THESE ARE SCAMS,” the Worth County Sheriff’s Office warned.
Authorities said one major red flag is any caller who asks someone to buy a gift card and then provide the scratch-off numbers from the back of the card.
“If anyone on the phone demands or encourages you to purchase a gift card of any amount and tell them the scratch off numbers of the gift card it is a SCAM,” the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office said no legitimate agency, company or prize organization will demand payment by gift card from places such as Dollar General or a gas station. Legitimate law enforcement agencies also do not demand immediate phone payments to avoid arrest.
Scammers often target both young people and older residents by creating fear, excitement or urgency. They may claim someone is about to be arrested, has won a prize, owes money or must act immediately. The goal is to keep the victim from slowing down, asking questions or contacting a trusted person.
Worth County authorities offered simple advice: protect your money and hang up the phone.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call should not provide personal information, bank information, gift card numbers or payment details. Residents who believe they have been targeted or have lost money in a scam should contact local law enforcement.