Don’t Fall For It: Brandon Police Warn Citizens of ‘Warrant Call’ Scam

Scammers constantly seek new and innovative ways to scam people out of their hard-earned cash.

And it sounds like another new scam is starting to make its way through the Brandon area right now.

Dakota News Now is reporting that Brandon police want the public to be on the lookout for potential scam calls from someone posing as Lt. Austin Peterson of the Brandon Police Department.

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There have been reports of citizens receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be Peterson and informing people that they have an outstanding warrant that needs to be taken care of.

And wouldn't you know, one quick way to clear up the matter is by sending gift cards. Because after all, what outstanding warrant can't be rectified by sending a law enforcement agency a pre-paid gift card, right?

Wrong! The real Lt. Peterson told Dakota News Now, should you receive a phone call like this, hang up, it's a scam.

According to Peterson, if you ever receive a call like this, the best thing to do is hang up immediately, find a number you know is legitimate, and check with the organization.

Never give anyone who calls you on the phone in situations similar to this your personal information, because it's generally a scammer trying to relieve you of your money.

Remember, if you have fallen victim to a scam, or feel the need to report a potential scam, you can always call the South Dakota Attorney General's Office, Division of Consumer Protection at  (800) 300-1986. 

Source: Dakota News Now