LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. — If you get a call about an intercepted holiday package, be careful. It could be scammers trying to separate you from your money.
The Limestone County Sheriff's Office is warning about a new scam. They explain:
- Scammers are calling and advising potential victims that their package was intercepted by Homeland Security, and it was found to have illegal items in it. The scammer then advises the potential victim to press 1 to speak to an officer. Stop! Don’t do it!
- Should you press 1, the next scammer will explain to you that you are facing multiple felony charges for the package you ordered but, if you send a gift card number, provide a credit card number or bank account number, you can prevent a warrant being obtained for your arrest.
Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin says, "During this busy time of year, scammers will try to take advantage of you, don’t be a victim of this scam. Homeland Security will never call you and request money to prevent a warrant. If you receive a call that you are concerned about, don't hesitate to contact the Sheriff’s Office and speak with one of our Investigators."
This is a new twist on known scams in which scammers call people and tell them that a relative is in jail or being held hostage, and money is needed to get them out, or that a warrant has been issued for their arrest for missing jury duty, or that their utilities will be cut off if they don't send money. Usually, scammers ask for bank account information or a gift card number.