The Martinsville Police Department is issuing a warning to the public about a new scam that has been reported in the area.
Scammers are contacting individuals and requesting payment via gift cards, a tactic that has been used to swindle unsuspecting victims out of their money.
According to the department, the scammers will typically contact people by phone or email and ask them to purchase a gift card from a reputable retailer.
Once the gift card is purchased, the scammer will ask the victim to provide the numbers on the back of the card, which can be used to access the funds on the card.
The police department is warning that once the scammer has obtained the gift card information, the money will likely be gone before the victim can take any action to stop it.
This type of scam is particularly insidious, as it can be difficult to recover the lost funds once they have been transferred.
The Martinsville Police Department is urging residents to be cautious when dealing with unsolicited requests for payment, especially if the request is for a gift card.
If you are contacted by someone asking for payment via gift card, do not provide the numbers on the back of the card.
Instead, contact the police department immediately to report the incident.
Residents who have been targeted by this scam or have any questions about how to protect themselves are encouraged to contact the Martinsville Police Department at 276-403-5300 or the non-emergency dispatch number at 276-638-8751.
The department is committed to helping residents stay safe and avoiding falling victim to scams like this one.
Tips to Avoid Falling Victim to Gift Card Scams
Never provide the numbers on the back of a gift card to someone you don't know or trust.
Be cautious of unsolicited requests for payment, especially if the request is for a gift card.
Verify the identity of the person or organization requesting payment before providing any information.
Keep your gift card information secure and do not share it with anyone.
If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, contact the police department immediately.
By being aware of this scam and taking steps to protect themselves, residents can help to prevent falling victim to this type of crime.
The Martinsville Police Department is committed to keeping the community safe and is urging everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.