Shelby County Residents Report Phone Scam

SHELBY COUNTY, AL - If someone has called asking you to use a gift card to pay for something - by a caller claiming to be with the IRS, or tech support, or a so-called family member in need - hang up and contact law enforcement. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office says residents have issued numerous complaints about this phone scam, which has been prevalent throughout the country.

The scam involves a person who claims you have a debt or they are a family member who needs money, and that you can pay via a gift card. They then ask the victim to purchase a gift card from a store such as Walmart or Target and give the card number to them.

A spokesperson with the Federal Trade Commission said the reason the scammers are asking for payment in the form of a gift card is because it is not traceable like a credit or debit card is. "Scammers are good at convincing people there really is an emergency, so lots of people have made the trip to the Walmart or Target or CVS to buy gift cards to send these callers," said Jennifer Leach of the FTC. "And scammers love gift cards - it’s one of their favorite ways to get your money. These cards are like giving cash - and nearly untraceable, unless you act almost immediately."

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Leach said anyone who demands payment by gift card is always a scammer. "Gift cards are for gifts, not payments," Leach said. "If you’ve bought a gift card and lost money to someone who might be a scammer, tell the company who issued the card. If you act quickly enough, they might be able to get your money back."

Leach said anyone who has been a victim of this cam should tell the FTC.

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