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GCSO: Be on the alert for scam artists

From Gibson County Sheriff’s Department:

As always, there are constantly scams circulating the area.


We've had some calls about a Vectren scam today. Somebody calls claiming they are with Vectren and tells you that you have an outstanding payment that needs to be made right away to avoid a disconnect. They want you to buy a prepaid card and give them the numbers over the phone as payment.


DO NOT DO THIS!!!!


If you ever get a call from a utility company saying you owe money you don't expect to owe, just hang up the phone. Look on your utility bill for a phone number (do not use one they give you over the phone) and call the company directly to verify.

Utility companies will not take prepaid card numbers for payment.

Also, be alert of package tracking scams.


There are delays with multiple carriers right now between the holiday rush and COVID. You might get a text message claiming to be from FedEx about a delayed package.


See the attached photo for an example.

In this photo, it lists a FedEx tracking number of "1Z91994" and gives you a link to click on.
First of all, a FedEx tracking number does not use the 1Z format. That is a UPS package. It's also not long enough. Do not click strange looking links like this one either. You can always go directly to the UPS, FedEx, or USPS site and enter package tracking numbers for the latest information.