Scammers Spoof Phone Numbers to Impersonate Family Members, Authorities Warn

Mississippi authorities have issued a warning about scammers spoofing phone numbers to impersonate family members and solicit money. The scammers send texts claiming to be from a relative’s new work number, creating a sense of urgency by saying a bank card isn’t working and instructing victims to visit local stores like Walgreens or CVS.

Scammers often send a barcode for quick money transfer at checkout and promise to reimburse the victim once their account issues are resolved. These messages are not legitimate, and authorities emphasize that scammers can manipulate caller ID information to appear as trusted contacts.

Officials warn that legitimate hospitals, banks, Medicare providers, and utility companies do not request payments via text barcode. They advise residents not to send money or scan suspicious barcodes and to verify requests by calling loved ones directly using known numbers. Sharing this information with family members, especially seniors, is also recommended.

Since 2023, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office has handled scam complaints. Victims are encouraged to report suspicious activity by calling (601) 359-4230 or submitting reports online at https://nocallportal.ago.ms.gov/. Authorities stress that scammers are becoming more sophisticated and may use real phone numbers to appear legitimate. Staying alert and reporting scams helps protect the community.

Source: Original Article