The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office has received calls about a warrant scam involving a fraudster masquerading as a Yuma County Sheriff’s Office employee “Mark Martinez.” Residents report that the fraudster is calling them and advising them that a warrant has been issued their arrest.
Residents are then offered a choice to either pay for the warrant or have an officer sent over to arrest you. The fraudsters have typically demand that the money be paid by money transfer or by loading a prepaid card. They have been known to use actual names of local officers and judges in the scam to make it seem legitimate.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to avoid the following popular scams for fraudsters:
Grandparent scam: You get a phone call from someone posing as a grandchild who is supposedly out of town and in a desperate situation. They could claim to be lockedYuma County Sheriff’s Office in jail, have had a car accident or are in need of medical treatment. They’ll want money wired to them.
APS scam: Where criminals masquerading as APS employees are calling customers demanding immediate payment of their electric bill under the threat of having their power turned off. Potential victims are instructed to purchase prepaid cards in a specific amount, and then call a special number to make the payment. APS never requires payment via a prepaid card.
Lottery scam: While the other scams prey on fear and concern, this one aims to convince you that you’ve won money in foreign lottery. Never mind that you can’t recall ever entering one. The call will come from someone who sounds official. They’ll ask for a payment up-front for supposed taxes and fees so you can collect your winnings.
IRS scam: This scam takes advantage of most Americans’ inherent fear of the Internal Revenue Service. The phone call purports to be from the police or an IRS agent who is demanding payment for overdue taxes. If they’re not settled immediately, the call claims, you’ll be arrested. They’ll want the money either wired or put on prepaid card.
If you believe you have been a victim, contact your local law enforcement agency.