Issued by the Bluffton Police Department on Facebook, March 23, 2022:

SCAM ALERT

Over the past few weeks we have had several individuals report being the victims of scams that are being done via telephone calls.  Most of these scams are targeting the elderly population.  If you receive a phone call or email from a company (even reputable one's  such as Publishers Clearinghouse) and they ask for money to claim a prize, or ask to send you a check and have you cash it and send money or gift cards back to them, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY.  No legit company will ask you to send money to claim a prize, or send you a check and have you send something back to claim a prize.  If ANYONE asks you to purchase gift cards and send them somewhere IT IS A SCAM!  

Also watch for people claiming to represent companies such as AMAZON, Online Retailers, Shipping Companies, Computer Companies, Wal-Mart, BANKS, Verizon (to name a few) sending you an email or calling you to say your account was compromised and they need either personal information from you or need access to your computer or phone to "fix" issues.  These are also scams.  If you get a call and truly feel that there may be an issue with an account, hang up and go to a local retailer or search for a customer service number online and call the company back direct.  Don't use a number provided by a caller, robo-caller, or email, find a number on your own and call it back.  DO NOT click on any links in emails that will "take you to someone that can fix your issue" or "click to allow you to look at your account to make sure it is ok".  

PLEASE watch out for yourself, your family, friends, and neighbors as some of these scammers are asking for THOUSANDS of dollars.  This goes for all people of all ages, but especially the elderly.