The Cortez Police Department is warning locals to look out for scam calls and encouraging them to report suspicious ones after a local woman received and reported one.
The scammer that called her demanded $10,000 for damages to their property, and said her son was involved in an accident that caused those damages.
“Thankfully, she contacted her son directly, and he was OK,” a CrimeWatch alert from Cortez Police reads.
The alert goes on to advise the community to “stay calm,” since “scammers try to scare you into acting fast. Hang up!”
Like the woman who reported the scam call, verify such claims with loved ones and never send money, since “Legitimate authorities will never demand payment over the phone.”
And, last but not least, contact local law enforcement and report the scam call if you get one.
“Scammers want to take advantage of fear. The best defense is staying informed and verifying facts with reliable sources,” the CrimeWatch alert reads.
