x
Breaking News
More () »

Investigators urge businesses to call police when senior citizens try to buy multiple prepaid gift cards

SAPD Criminal Investigation Unit detectives are asking local businesses to train employees to spot potential scams and help citizens from becoming victims.
Credit: TPD Twitter

SAN ANGELO, Texas — Because scammers consistently target citizens through email, text messages, phone calls, social media, as well as standard mail, the senior citizen population is even more vulnerable to becoming victim.

A press release from the San Angelo Police Department said scammers will say anything to get money and they like gift cards because, once scammers have the code from the back of the card, the money is gone and almost impossible to trace.

However, knowing how these scams work can help businesses to spot potential scams and prevent a citizen from becoming a victim, the release said.

SAPD’s Criminal Investigations Division detectives are asking local businesses to train employees to contact police if they suspect a victim is in danger of financial loss by prepaid gift card scams.

Anyone who encounters a customer who is attempting to follow through with placing large amounts of money on prepaid cards is asked to contact police dispatch immediately at 325-657-4315.

Officers are allowed to act under a “Care Taking” function and may be able to speak with the victim and verify if the situation is legitimate or a scam.

Additionally, if employees encounter a customer attempting to place money on a prepaid card(s) with multiple credit/debit cards that get declined, the cards are more than likely stolen. This is a common scheme to transfer money from stolen debit/credit cards to prepaid cards. When this happens, the SAPD strongly suggests that no employees attempt to intervene and engage the possible suspect. If this activity is observed, be a good witness and contact police to report suspicious activity.  

Credit: San Angelo Police Department

Before You Leave, Check This Out