Tyler Police Department warns of online and phone scams

Published 11:50 am Thursday, August 22, 2024

From Staff Reports

The Tyler Police Department is urging residents to stay vigilant against online and phone scams. The department said on Thursday that it has received numerous reports of fraudulent activities originating from both the internet and wireless communication devices.

Officials warn that banks will never ask customers to withdraw money and deposit it at another location, whether it be another bank or an offsite ATM. If someone is directed to place money into a Crypto or Bitcoin ATM, it is likely a scam, the department said.

Additionally, if someone contacts you asking to purchase gift cards or prepaid debit cards, it’s almost certainly a scam. The department advises against sending money through phone apps to anyone you don’t personally know or haven’t spoken to directly.

Residents are also cautioned against making deposits for items listed on Facebook Marketplace using apps like Venmo or Cash App. Law enforcement agencies will never request payment over the phone or ask you to withdraw money from your accounts.

Be wary of warnings on your computer or mobile device that prompt you to call a number for Microsoft or another security entity, as these could be scams designed to place spyware on your device, the police department said.

If you receive a call or text claiming your banking information has been compromised, police recommend ending the conversation immediately and contacting your financial institution in person or by calling them directly. Scammers can spoof legitimate phone numbers, so avoid sharing personal information, such as bank accounts or Social Security numbers, over the phone. It’s also advised to update your passwords regularly and keep them in a secure location.

The Tyler Police Department emphasized they don’t want anyone to lose their hard-earned money to scammers.