Police Warn of 2 Elder Scams Happening In Warrensburg

Warrensburg Police are letting the public know that there has been an increase in the reporting of elder fraud schemes in the Warrensburg area. They laid out two real scenarios that recently happened to seniors in Warrensburg that they are asking people to watch out for.

In the first scenario, if someone asks you to withdraw a large sum of cash and then sends you to a Bitcoin ATM (one is within the Blue Moon Smoke Shop, and another is in Vapor Maven) to make a payment for outstanding utility bills, delinquent taxes, outstanding tickets or warrants, secure bail for a family member, computer security issues, or to obtain an inheritance or lottery winnings, or finally just to send money to a person you've met online but not in person, there is a good chance you're being scammed.

In the second scenario, if you're contacted by any company (Apple, Microsoft, etc.) for computer or phone issues and are directed to withdraw any amount of money from your bank account and they want you to send it to someone via UPS, FED EX, DHL, or even the Post Office. Or they direct you to withdraw a large sum or cash and send someone to pick it up, you are likely being scammed.

Warrensburg Police say scammers often target the elderly because they are vulnerable. Police say both of the above scenarios have happened in Warrensburg, and both the victims were senior citizens. To learn more about the common elements of most elder fraud schemes, check out the FBI's webpage on Elder Fraud.