The following is a news release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in cases where residents are contacted by phone or email by individuals committing fraud. In some cases community members have lost large sums of money that has basically no chance of being recovered.

● If you don’t know someone and they are sending you a check and want some “cash back” it is fraud!

● If you are contacted because your loved one has been arrested and you need to send cash, cashiers check or money order, it is a fraud!

● If you are contacted by the “IRS” and told you have a warrant for your arrest and you need to send money or gift cards, it is a fraud!

● If you are selling something online and the person offers to send payment and a company to come pick the item up, it is a fraud!

● If you are being pressured to make a quick decision, it is a fraud!

● If it is too good to be true, it is more than likely a fraud!

● If you are in an online relationship with someone you haven’t ever met and the person is asking for you to send money, please don’t!

Please be careful in giving out any personal or financial information to anyone you don’t know.
Please contact the Sheriff’s Office if you have any questions regarding fraud. You can also visit https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety.