Willmar police: Be wary of phone scams

WILLMAR - Telephone scams are constantly circulating in the area, and local law enforcement reminds people to be careful with their personal information.
Willmar Police Sgt. Mike Anderson said it is best not to release any personal information over the phone, especially when an unknown number calls.
“These kind of scams are very difficult to prosecute and investigate,” Anderson said. “Education is the best way because chances of getting the money back are very slim.”
A Tribune reader from Kandiyohi said last week that his wife had been the target of a phone scam involving an 876 area code.
“They try to tell you that you’ve won money and, in order to get money, you have to send money back,” he said.
The Federal Trade Commission advises people not to accept calls from the 876 area code. This area code is known for a particular phone scam in which the caller requests that the victim claim their prize from the Jamaican lottery by sending thousands of dollars through a prepaid card.
The man said his wife received one of these calls and was going to purchase a prepaid card, but store employees cautioned her that it was likely a scam.
Anderson advises those who receive a suspicious call to hang up the phone and alert local law enforcement.
Those who are the victim of phone scams can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at https://ftc.gov/complaint .