The Rankin County Sheriff’s Department said residents should be on alert for a series of scams circulating in the county that try to extort money or steal personal information.
The department said one scheme begins with a text that reads “APPLE ACCOUNT COMPROMISED, CONTACT APPLE IMMEDIATELY.” Residents who call the number in the message are connected to scammers who instruct them to buy Apple gift cards to “fix” the problem, the department said.
Another scam uses pop-up messages urging users to “Click on the link for a chance to WIN.” The department said residents who click links or open attachments can download malicious software that allows scammers to access financial accounts and wire money out of state or out of the country. The department suggested searching YouTube for guidance on recognizing phishing emails and said it does not endorse any outside content.
Officials also warned about phone calls claiming recipients missed jury duty and demanding payment of a fine to avoid arrest. The department said no law enforcement agency or court system demands payment by cryptocurrency, Cash App, Venmo, gift cards or similar methods. Residents should hang up and call the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department at 601-825-1480, officials said. They added that people should never give personal identity information, credit or bank details, or purchase gift cards for payment over the phone. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
