Beware of seasonal scams
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News from Don Bell, Lake County Sheriff
LAKE COUNTY — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in fraud related calls recently. There are many scams taking place at this and all times of the year. Please take the time to educate yourself on these scams by visiting websites such as the Montana Office of Consumer Protection (https://dojmt.gov/consumer/common-scams/).
In particular, do not fall for fake check scams where someone you have never met requests you to wire or give money back to them once you cash the check. Ask your bank to assist you in verifying the check is valid if doing business over the Internet. Oftentimes these checks may be forged from a valid account without the account holder’s knowledge.
Other common scams involve calls or correspondence from an impostor stating they represent the IRS, you owe taxes, and that you will be arrested. Sweepstakes are also common whereby you are told you won something but you need to send them some “processing fee” or “tax” in order to claim your prize.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
