OT County Sheriff’s office offers tips for avoiding scams

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent 

A resident of Vergas, on July 14, avoided becoming the victim of a scam, but not before almost taking the bait from a scam artist.

Sheriff deputies said the county resident had received a text message indicating the Vergas resident was the winner of the Powerball. The resident sent minimal personal  details such as a Minnesota driver license number. The person then realized this was a scam attempt and contacted authorities.

The resident is not out any money but had come close to sending money to cover handling fees.

The county Sheriff Office again reminds residents of Otter Tail County, particularly senior citizens, of the need to continue to be vigilant and not become scam victims.

If something seems too good to be true it probably is untrue, emphasize county deputies. An example is when a caller says you have just won a prize of $5,000, but in order to claim the prize money you need to send $250 for handling fees. This is a scam attempt.

Phone call scams and computer scams can be avoided if county residents remain cautious and don’t fall for scare tactics. 

As for phone calls from scammers, never forward money or purchase iTune cards when a scammer says you need to send money to fix a computer problem or get a grandchild out of jail. 

If a computer is locked up, don’t respond to scammers who try to blackmail victims. Instead, use control, alt delete or use the shutoff button.  After restarting your computer, you should be back to normal. If not, contact your computer advisor or call the county Sheriff Office at (218) 998-8555.