The threat of being scammed or falling victim to fraud is ever increasing. The Prior Lake Police Department would like to warn you about various frauds and scams that some of our fellow citizens have fallen victim to.

• Cryptocurrency (Crypto)

  • Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money using cryptocurrency. To steer clear of a crypto con, here are some things to know.
    • Only scammers demand payment in cryptocurrency. No legitimate business is going to demand you send cryptocurrency in advance – not to buy something, and not to protect your money. That’s always a scam.
    • Only scammers will guarantee profits or big returns. Don’t trust people who promise you can quickly and easily make money in the crypto markets.
    • Never mix online dating and investment advice. If you meet someone on a dating site or app, and they want to show you how to invest in crypto, or ask you to send them crypto, that’s a scam.

• Gift cards for payment

  • Only scammers will tell you to buy a gift card, like a Google Play or Apple Card, and give them the numbers off the back of the card. No matter what they say, that's a scam. No real business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them.

• IRS – Text messaging

  • The IRS will not contact you by text message or social media and ask for personal or financial information. The IRS will also not initiate contact by phone or email. If the IRS needs to contact you, it typically sends a letter in the mail through the U.S. Postal Service.

• Toll Roads – Text messaging

  • Be wary of text messages claiming you owe unpaid tolls, as they are likely part of a scam designed to steal personal and financial information. Do not click on any links or provide any information in response to these texts; instead, verify any outstanding balances directly through the official toll agency website or customer service.

• Family member injured/arrested

  • The "family member injured/arrested scam" is a common tactic where scammers impersonate family members or law enforcement to create a fake emergency and demand immediate payment, often for bail or medical expenses.
    • The Setup: Scammers call or contact you claiming a family member (often a grandchild) is in trouble, like being arrested or injured in a car accident. 
    • The Urgency: They create a sense of panic and urgency, demanding immediate action and money. 
    • The Demand: They ask for money, often for bail, medical expenses, or other fabricated reasons. 
    • The Secrecy: They may instruct you to keep the situation secret, even from other family members. 
    • The Impersonation: Scammers may impersonate lawyers, police officers, or other authority figures to add credibility to their claims. 
    • AI Voice Cloning: Scammers may use Artificial Intelligence to clone your loved one's voice, making the scam even more convincing 

• Dating sites

  • Online dating can be a great way to meet people, but it's also a breeding ground for scams, with scammers often posing as someone they are not to gain trust and steal money or personal information. Here's how to spot and avoid common dating site scam:
    • Photos appear altered
    • Person claims they are working overseas and in order to return to the US, they need you to send them money. Suspect may also claim there was some kind of emergency or lawsuit they were involved with, and they need help paying it off

• Packages arriving at houses asking to scan QR code with phone

  • If you receive an unsolicited package with a QR code, do not scan it, as it could be a scam designed to steal your personal or financial information. Instead, report the package to the relevant authorities and monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity

• Checks

  • A fake check scam involves depositing a check (often for more than the agreed amount) and then being instructed to send a portion of the funds back to the sender or a third party, which is a scam because the check is fraudulent and will bounce.

• Online vehicle purchases

  • When buying a car online, be wary of fake ads, requests for gift card payments, fraudulent wire transfers, and fake escrow accounts; also, be cautious of third-party scams, deposit fraud, odometer fraud, and purchase protection plan scams. Best practice is if buying a vehicle online, see the vehicle in person first. Don’t send a wire transfer without having the vehicle in sight.

• Facebook Marketplace

  • Whether you are posting items for sale or buying something, always try to pay in person with cash. If using Venmo verify the name on the account matches the person you have been messaging. Do not use Zelle or any other direct bank account app. Different names usually equal a scam. If paying with PayPal, scammers will want you to pay “friends and family” because it’s the trusted method and your money is covered if it turns out to be a fraud. If you are selling an item, don’t pay the person wanting to purchase the item you are selling. This may seem obvious, but we are seeing more scams where the suspect is convincing and has a confusing reason why you need to send them money.