Law enforcement officials are warning residents about evolving financial scams as technology creates new opportunities for fraudsters to target victims.
The alert comes as digital payment platforms and online transactions become increasingly common, giving scammers sophisticated tools to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
“As technology advances, so have the ways scammers have to target you,” officials stated in a public service announcement. “Remember, if something feels off, it probably is!”
The public service announcement features a video reenacting a common texting or phone call scam. In this scam, bad actors posing as police officers threaten victims with arrest for their ‘involvement’ in a bank fraud scheme and instruct them to send money to prevent arrest.
The video concludes with a message that legitimate law enforcement officers will not ask for money, encouraging the public to disregard such calls and messages and report them to 911.
The warning reflects growing concerns about financial crimes adapting to modern technology. Fraudsters now employ a range of tactics, from creating fake websites to spoofing phone numbers.
Authorities urge citizens to trust their instincts when something seems suspicious. Many victims report feeling uneasy before falling for scams. Officials emphasize vigilance as the best defense against financial fraud.