Yuma County Sheriff warns public of scams

It’s the busiest time of the year, for scams. That’s a warning coming from Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot. He’s warning residents of the dozens of ways scammers are targeting you.

In a press release, Wilmot warns the public of five common phone scams. The first is the grandparent scam. It’s where a scammer calls you claiming your grandchild is in jail and needs money wired to them.

There’s also a jury duty scam. Where the caller will say you failed to report to jury duty and you have been issued a warrant for your arrest. The scammer will then ask for money and say you can avoid getting arrested.

Another scam is the IRS scam, especially with tax season approaching. Scammers claim you owe the IRS money for overdue taxes and demand you wire them money.

If it’s too good to be true it probably is when it comes to a lottery phone call. The lottery scam is where a scammer calls and says you have won but need to pay taxes and wire money.

The last scam to be aware of is the utility scam. Where you will be asked to wire money to a utility company to avoid unpaid bills.

Officials warn to never give money over the phone. You’re asked to call your local law enforcement agency if you believe you’re our a victim.