Austin police are warning citizens about an increase in reports of a new scam targeting elderly people.
APD said the scammers will call an elderly person and pose as a loved one or someone who is related to their loved one, who the scammer will say is out of the state or country. They will tell the victim that their loved one has been arrested and needs money for bail and not to tell anyone about the call, even other family or friends.
The scammers tell the victims to purchase gift cards in large amounts, usually between $4,000 and $8,000 or more, from big retailers or online stores. The scammers will ask the victims to tell them the gift card numbers over the phone and then redeem the code and spend the money.
By the time the victim realizes the call did not come from anyone they know, the suspect has already spent the money and the loss can't be recuperated.
APD said they are working with retailers to instruct their cashiers to be aware of these scams and anyone trying to spend gift cards with large dollar amounts. APD also issued the following tips to avoid being scammed:
- Governmental agencies do not solicit money via the phone
- Governmental agencies and other legitimate agencies should not ask for payments to be made via any sort of gift card
- When in doubt, contact a family member or law enforcement for assistance
If you or someone you know has been a victim of this scam and you have not reported it to APD, please call 3-1-1 to file a report.
