Residents of Sheridan County received a timely warning on the latest episode of Public Pulse, the local talk show produced by Sheridan Media. Undersheriff Doug Sanders and Patrol Lieutenant Doug Sanders sat down with host Ron Richter to discuss a recent wave of phone and text scams that have been targeting community members.
How the scams operate
According to the officials, the fraudsters first contact victims by phone or text message, claiming to represent a well‑known business or service—often a bank or a utility provider such as Verizon. They tell the victim that an unauthorized charge has been placed on their account and that immediate verification is required.
To make the ruse convincing, the scammers provide a phone number that does not belong to the legitimate company, or they send a link that directs the victim to a fraudulent website. When the victim calls the supplied number or clicks the link, they are prompted to give personal information, such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, or credit‑card details, which the criminals then use to steal money.
First‑hand example
Deputy Cody Lamb shared a personal experience that illustrates how easy it is to fall for the ploy. “When the show started, I got a voicemail saying there was going to be a charge on my Verizon account and to call a number to verify,” he said. “I laughed at the idea, but I still followed the proper protocol: I logged directly into my Verizon account online, checked my billing history, and did not call the number they gave me.”
Practical steps to avoid becoming a victim
Both Sanders and Lamb emphasized several proactive measures that residents can take:
- Verify independently: If you receive a call or text about an alleged charge, do not use the phone number or link provided. Instead, log into the official website or call the known customer‑service number for the business.
- Monitor statements regularly: Check bank and credit‑card statements frequently for any unauthorized transactions.
- Report suspicious activity: Contact the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office or the appropriate consumer‑protection agency if you suspect a scam.
- Educate family members: Share this information with older relatives and teenagers, who are often targeted by fraudsters.
Community outreach
The Sheriff’s Office plans to continue its public‑awareness campaign through local media, social‑media posts, and community meetings. By keeping the public informed, the department hopes to reduce the number of successful scams and protect the financial well‑being of Sheridan County families.
For more information, residents can visit the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office website or call the non‑emergency line at (307) 555‑1234.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
