By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Police Department is warning residents about scams after an elderly couple was tricked out of $30,000.
According to a police report, the couple was contacted by someone pretending to be with a sweepstakes company. The person told the couple they won $2.9 million but would need to first send a cashier’s check to cover fees. The couple fell for the ruse and is now out the $30,000.
Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush said although his department is investigating, it is often nearly impossible for victims to get their money back and he doesn’t want to see another victim in the city.
“It’s sad that there are people out there that are willing to victimize elderly people for their personal gain,” said Rush. “A lot of times these types of scams originate from overseas and we can’t track them.”
Scammers use phone calls, emails and mailers to make money off of their victims. There are several circumstances these criminals use to steal money including prizes and sweepstakes, student loans and scholarships, and sometimes they even pretend to be someone they’re not.
The U.S. Department of State said you should never send money to anyone you have not met in person and you should never disclose personal details over the phone or online,
Rush said there is one simple thing to remember.
“If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” said Rush.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a scam, you can report the issue to the Federal Trade Commission by clicking here.