From Bitcoin blackmail to fake UPS parcels, Pueblo police warn public not to fall for scams
- Pueblo law enforcement warns residents of scams involving Bitcoin ATMs and fake UPS delivery texts.
- Scammers impersonate banks or companies, requesting payments or personal information.
- Both agencies advise that you trust your gut and never give out personal information over phone, email, or text.
- Residents should report suspicious messages to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or the Federal Trade Commission.
Pueblo law enforcement agencies are warning residents not to fall for new scams seeking to steal money or personal information from unsuspecting victims.
In a July 28 social media post, the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office warned of a new scam in which individuals receive a phone call from someone impersonating an official at their bank and asking them to make a payment at a Bitcoin ATM.
"In some cases, the suspect tells the victim someone was looking at child porn on their computer and they need to pay at a Bitcoin ATM," PCSO officials said in the post.
The PCSO's post noted no legitimate bank or company would call and ask you to submit money at a Bitcoin ATM.
"Don’t fall victim to this scam. To avoid becoming a scam victim, never give personal or financial information over the phone," PCSO officials said.
"If you are asked to deposit money, or are concerned about the validity of a call, hang up & call the agency to verify the legitimacy of the call. If you have given personal or financial info to a suspected scammer, contact your financial institution and report it immediately."
The Pueblo Police Department recently issued a similar warning for a different scam in which the scammers send a text message claiming to be from UPS. The fraudulent text says UPS attempted to deliver a package to the recipient but could not get a signature. The text includes a link to "reschedule delivery."
However, UPS warns on its own website that these fraudulent communications are unauthorized actions of third parties and are not associated with UPS.
"The links in the text messages may contain malware or direct to a fraudulent website," UPS officials wrote on the business's website.
In a social media post on July 27, Pueblo police also warned the public that if someone pressures you for personal information via phone, email, or text, you should "take a moment to think."
"Legit orgs won't ask for sensitive details," Pueblo PD's post states.
In the post, police urged Puebloans never to give out personal information over the phone, email, or text.
Similarly, the Colorado DMV issued its own warning earlier this year for residents not to fall for a text message scam that impersonates the DMV.
The messages in question, which claim to be from the Colorado DMV, state that the recipient has an outstanding ticket and threaten a list of serious consequences for non-payment, including suspension of registration and driving privileges, financial consequences, and even prosecution.
"It is critical for all Coloradans to understand these messages are not from the Colorado DMV," the DMV's release on the matter states. "The DMV does not initiate contact via unsolicited text messages and emails to demand payment for tickets or to threaten prosecution or suspension of privileges in this manner."
Anyone who receives a fraudulent message is encouraged to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Be sure to include the phone number or email that sent the message and the website linked in the text.
Other tips to avoid fraud
The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers a variety of actions to protect yourself from fraud. Actions include:
- Don't share passwords for accounts, credit cards, or social security.
- Never pay up front for a promised prize.
- After hearing a sales pitch, take time to compare prices, ask for information in writing and read carefully.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
- Watch out for deals that are "only good for today" and pressure you to act quickly.
- Beware when someone plays on your emotions or claims there is an urgent situation.
- Don't click on links or scan QR codes.
- Put your number on the national Don't Call Registry — go to www.donotcall.gov or call 888-382-1222.
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