Smith County Officials Warn of Area Scams
Posted/updated on: April 16, 2015 at 11:29 am
SMITH COUNTY — Tyler Police are warning area residents about three recent scams where Tyler citizens have been taken advantage of by scammers. The most recent one is a “House on Fire Scam.” Tyler Police and Smith County Sheriff’s Office have been contacted in reference to two Hispanic males who will knock on your door very late into the night and tell you that your house is on fire. They will attempt to get you outside your residence while one of them will go inside and check your electrical box. However they are looking to steal or leave a rear window open to return to your residence to commit a crime.
They were observed driving a small white pick-up, no further description. It seems that they are targeting an elderly person to convince them to leave their residence and steal from them. If you do not smell smoke or see flames do not let them in your residence or open the door, call 911 immediately for assistance. You may also call your next door neighbor for immediate assistance to assess the situation.
2) Relative in Jail Scam: Another victim has been taken advantage of by falling for we have your grandson in jail or whatever relation they can get you to admit too. They will then tell you that it will take several thousands of dollars to get him or her out of jail. They will have you wire money or use green dot cards to get your love one out of jail. Please verify with another relative or call and verify with a number you have looked up for verification that the information is true. Never send any money unless you have discussed it with other family members and have verified the information to be true.
3) Lottery Scam: Congratulations you just won the Kansas Lottery. You will need to send us $5,000 to pay for up-front fees and taxes and we will send you $500,000 in return. If you didn’t play the lottery you probably didn’t win the lottery. Once again verify with the State Lottery Commission that they say they represent. Never send money when it sounds too good to be true. Do not use phone numbers that they have given you for verification, look up the correct phone number yourself and contact the lottery commission to verify.
