Phone scams on the rise in Cullman area

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September 29, 2012

Phone scams on the rise in Cullman area

By Ashley Graves The Cullman Times The Cullman Times Sat Sep 29, 2012, 01:34 PM CDT

CULLMAN — Phone scamming activity is on the rise in Cullman County again.

And while the elderly have been the main ones targeted thus far, an investigator with the Cullman Police Department is the latest.

"Obviously these people are getting phone numbers and just calling," Lt. Gene Bates said. "If they just get one person to fall for it, that's a pretty good pay day for them."

Though the investigator knew immediately after answering the call it was a scam, he decided to play along to give readers and idea of just how persuasive those on the other end of the line can be.

The call to the investigator's personal cell phone stemmed from a 1-800 number in which John Tomson claimed he worked for the U.S. Treasury Service. He was calling to inform the investigator he had won $250,000 and a new Mercedes and that it would be delivered later that day. However, in order to receive the money and the car, the investigator was told he had to purchase a green dot card with $299.

"In the past all you have had to go get one, but now, they're requiring you give the number on the back before they'll proceed," Bates said.

The investigator told Tomson he would have to go the store and purchase a green card and call him back. Earlier in the day Bates received several donated cards from CVS, none of which had any money on them.

Once the investigator was able to get back in touch with Tomson, Tomson assured him it was not a scam.

"Just because this is your first time, don't be skeptical," Tomson said. "A lot of people have won this already. You can trust me on this."

The investigator continued to ask questions, and even asked to speak to a supervisor at one point, who, too, assured him it was not a scam. After asking once again why he couldn’t wait to give them the card when his prize showed up, Tomson replied, “You have to provide us the number so we can make the delivery right at this moment. The number has to be placed on the package so you don’t get any taxes taken out.”

Bates said that should serve as another red flag warning to the public.

“If it’s legitimate winnings, you shouldn’t have to pay any fees,” Bates said.

He encouraged anyone who receives a call from someone asking for personal information to hang up. He also noted that Caller ID services can be manipulated, so even if it lists the origin of the call as Cullman, it could still be a scam.

“People need to be cautious and remember not to give their real name when someone like this does call,” Bate said. “They’ll play it up and act like they’re typing you’re name in when they’re really just reading it off of the caller ID. In the end, these people aren’t going to deliver anything to you. They’re just wanting the number on the back of the card.”

Bate encouraged anyone with questions concerning the scam to contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

* Ashley Graves can be reached by phone at 734-2131, ext. 225, or by email at agraves@cullmantimes.com

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Phone scams on the rise in Cullman area

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