OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. — The Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department is urging residents, especially older adults, to remain vigilant after repeated reports of scams that have cost victims thousands of dollars.
In a public warning, the sheriff’s department said nearly every week someone falls victim to a scam and repeatedly contacts investigators. The department’s investigations division is examining the reports, but deputies are emphasizing prevention in hopes of stopping losses before they occur.
Deputies said scammers are becoming more convincing and increasingly use legitimate-looking business email addresses, websites and phone numbers to make schemes appear real. The department urged anyone who suspects a scam to hang up, stop responding and contact local law enforcement before taking further action.
The sheriff’s department asked residents to tell officers what a caller or sender said and to ask law enforcement whether the situation appears to be a scam. Scams targeting older adults are a common concern for law enforcement nationwide because they can produce substantial financial and emotional harm. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
