By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
The Ozark Bureau of Police Services is urging residents to remain vigilant as financial scams continue to increase, particularly those targeting older adults and vulnerable individuals.
In a recent public awareness campaign, the department highlighted several of the most common schemes being used by criminals to steal money and personal information, while encouraging residents to educate family members about the warning signs before they become victims.
According to police, adults over the age of 60 remain among the most frequent targets of phone-based financial scams. Criminals often rely on fear, urgency, or promises of financial rewards to pressure victims into making quick decisions.
One of the most common scams involves callers pretending to represent banks or other financial institutions. The scammers claim a victim’s account has been compromised and ask for Social Security numbers, account numbers, passwords, or other personal information to “fix” the problem.
Police advise anyone receiving such a call to hang up immediately and contact their bank directly using the phone number listed on the back of their debit or credit card or from the institution’s official website. Legitimate financial institutions generally do not ask customers to provide sensitive account information during unsolicited phone calls.
Another scam gaining traction involves fake prize notifications. Victims are told they have won a large cash prize but must first send gift cards loaded with money to cover taxes, fees, or processing costs before claiming their winnings.
While not mentioned in this specific public service announcement, another common scam involves criminals calling and pretending to be from a doctor’s office or some other business you have dealt with in the past. They gain access to data and use that against you. As above, when you get a call claiming there are payments due or problems that need to be fixed, hang up and call that business on their official line. It may even appear they are calling from the correct number because phone numbers can be faked by more advanced and tech-savvy scammers.
Law enforcement stresses that legitimate sweepstakes and contests do not require winners to pay upfront fees or mail gift cards to receive a prize.
The department also warned residents about romance scams, which often begin on social media or dating platforms. Scammers spend weeks or even months building trust through frequent conversations and emotional manipulation before requesting money for travel expenses, medical emergencies, or other fabricated hardships.
Police note that many of these criminals operate from overseas, making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to recover stolen funds once they have been sent.
Residents are encouraged never to send money to someone they have never met in person, regardless of how convincing the story may seem.
Financial Crimes Affect the Entire Community
The department’s educational campaign emphasizes that financial crimes extend far beyond individual victims.
Identity theft, fraud, embezzlement, cybercrime, and money laundering can result in significant financial losses, emotional stress, and increased demands on law enforcement and public resources.
Businesses can also suffer financial damage, while criminals often use stolen money to support additional illegal activity.
How to Protect Yourself
Ozark police recommend several simple steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim:
Protect your personal and financial information.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, and text messages requesting personal information.
Regularly monitor bank accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity.
Report suspected fraud or financial crimes to law enforcement immediately.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a financial scam is encouraged to contact the Ozark Police Department at (334) 774-5111.
The department says it will continue sharing additional information in the coming weeks to help residents recognize emerging scams and better protect themselves and their loved ones.
