Gift card scam prompts warning for Miami County Sheriff’s Office

MIAMI COUNTY — The Miami County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a potential scam involving gift cards that has been reported more frequently across the county.

The sheriff’s office took to Facebook to share a flyer warning about the danger of buying gift cards in response of to a demand.

The post said that “no state, city, court, county agency or police department will ask you to buy gift cards.”

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Also, the post said that the “FBI, IRS and other government agencies do not call and demand tax payments.”

Additionally, they warn that computer companies like Microsoft do not call to tell you there is an issue with your devices.

The sheriff’s office listed a number of precautions to take when it comes to keeping personal information safe:

• Never give personal information to someone you do not know.
• Turn off your computer and unplug it. Have it serviced and viruses removed.
• Do not open questionable e-mail or messages. Delete them, even if you recognize the sender.
• Report all scam attempts to local police.

Deputies said they were working to get flyers with the warning and precautions posted in retail store across the county, near where gift cards are sold.

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