Scam Alerts in North Iowa for Jury Duty, Arrest Warrants, Fraud Cases, Board of Adjustment
Law enforcement agencies in north Iowa are alerting the public to a variety of scams, from jury duty to fake arrest warrants, check fraud, and application fees.
*The Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) says they have received several calls from county residents getting phone calls or voicemails from an individual by the name of Russ Gully. The scammer claims he is from the Sheriff’s Office, mentions Sheriff Greg Beaver’s name, and that there is a warrant for their arrest.
MCSO this is a scam. The number being used has been 1-800-918-4192.
*The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is alerting the public of several reports of check fraud cases that were mailed to Discover Credit Card.
Their investigation determined checks were being intercepted through the Post Office, though it was not in the immediate area. The checks are then being altered and addressed to different people for greater amounts.
FCSO says there have been many victims in Fayette County with losses in the tens of thousands of dollars. Local banks are also on the lookout and doing their due diligence in catching the altered checks.
FCSO is working with the Post Office Inspector in their investigation.
*The Worth County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) says citizens have been targeted in a Jury Duty phone scam, including using Sheriff Jesse Luther’s name. Scammers tell call recipients they have missed their jury duty summons and owe a fee or face being arrested. They will then attempt to secure payment from potential victims over the phone.
WCSO says there is NO monetary penalty for missing Jury Duty and court officers will NEVER solicit any associated fine over the phone, nor will they ask for your personal information over the phone.
*The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office is warning people about a scam targeting local residents who have submitted applications to the county’s Board of Adjustment.
They say the scammers are using official-looking emails to request wire transfers for application approval fees.
The fraudulent emails contain specific details from applications, such as case numbers and applicant addresses, and are aimed at individuals with applications on the public agenda for Board of Adjustment meetings.
Residents are advised not to respond to the emails, and they should contact the Planning & Zoning Commission to verify the legitimacy of any such requests.
*As always, never give your personal information, especially financial information, over the phone. Contact local authorities if you feel you have been a victim of a scam.
