How can I stay safe from gift card, cryptocurrency scams?
The Brief
Kyle police launching new campaign on gift card, crypto scams
Police say there has been a string of incidents in Kyle, Central Texas
KYLE, Texas – The Kyle Police Department is launching a new campaign to warn residents about the dangers of gift card and cryptocurrency scams.
What they’re saying
KPD says that there has been a string of incidents in Kyle and across Central Texas, with detectives involving cases involving calls from someone claiming to be a government agency, a bank representative, law enforcement officer, or even a panicked family member in trouble.
These calls create a sense of urgency, demanding direct payment in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency, making the funds nearly impossible to recover.
As part of the campaign, Kyle police is:
partnering with local stores where scammers may direct victims to purchase gift cards
providing in-person education to local organizations on how to identify those suspicious payment requests
sharing scam alerts and shareable tips on social media
What you can do
The following are common indicators of a scam:
Requesting payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency
Requiring the victim to create a business account through payment platforms during online sales
Threatening arrest, legal action or account suspension
Demanding immediate payment without time to verify
Instructing to keep the transaction secret
Claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, law enforcement or financial institutions demanding immediate payment
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
Never pay an unknown person or organization with gift cards or cryptocurrency
Hang up and call back using an official number found independently, not one provided by the caller
Don’t follow unverified links in texts or emails
Never share personal or financial information in response to unsolicited calls, texts or emails
Speak with a trusted family member or friend before making any unusual financial transactions
If you believe you may have been targeted by a scam, you are urged to report it immediately. Kyle residents can call KPD at 512-268-3232.
The Source
Information in this report comes from the Kyle Police Department