Officials with multiple law enforcement agencies in the area are warning residents of a pervasive scam circulating and being sent to people’s phones and email addresses.
The document being circulated appears at first glance to be a legitimate warning for recipients to send money to pay off traffic-related fines and court costs or risk having an arrest warrant issued. Upon closer examination, the document uses an AI-generated and inaccurate Seal of Alabama.
The Dale County Chronicle reached out to the Ozark Police Department for more information and advice for residents so they may avoid falling victim to the scam.
Captain Niles with the Ozark Police Department provided helpful advice on how you can avoid such scams
“Allegedly this is being sent to people via phone through text messages. Moving forward, I would encourage people who have any doubts to call and verify. Contact your local law enforcement agency,” Captain Niles said.
Additionally, it is recommended that if you ever receive a notice claiming to be from a law enforcement agency or a court, you should look up the legitimate number to that court and verify it. Captain Niles also suggested that if there is any doubt, contact your local law enforcement agency by looking up their verified phone number and report any suspicious messages.
Scams such as these are becoming increasingly common, and law enforcement officials warn residents to be super-vigilant and to conduct their research so they do not fall victim to these scams.
For additional resources from the FTC to help avoid falling victim to scams, click here.
