PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMS
Millions of Americans are targeted by scammers each year, including people here in Franklin County, and that number is on the rise as scammers look for new ways to trick people. Data from the Federal Trade Commission shows 2.6 million fraud reports in the U.S. in 2024, with consumers reportedly losing more than $12.5 billion, which was a 25% increase from the year before.
Scammers are constantly trying to find new tactics to steal your money or personal information. Every day, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office receives about 3-5 calls from individuals who suspect someone tried to scam them, though many do not file official reports. In 2024, there were 25 scam-related cases reported to FCSO. By the end of November 2025, that number was already up to 40.
Scammers often prey on people’s vulnerabilities or their lack of familiarity with the legal system, and anyone can be a target, regardless of your age. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from falling victim to a scam is to educate yourself about the most prevalent scams and red flags you need to look out for.
MOST COMMON SCAMS (as of November 2025. Remember scammers are always trying new tactics)
Imposter/Warrant Scam: You receive a call or voicemail from someone claiming to be a police officer, sheriff’s deputy, detective, or even a federal agent (like the IRS or Social Security Administration). They say you owe fines, missed jury duty, or violated some law, and that a warrant has been issued for your arrest.
Lottery Prize Scam: This scam usually involves an unsolicited phone call or text. People are often told they’ve won a large sum of money or a prize (even if they never entered a contest or drawing), but they need to pay taxes, fees, or other charges in advance to claim their winnings. This type of scam can involve fake checks or requests for wire transfers. Scammers will often pressure victims saying they must pay right away before the offer expires.
Artificial Intelligence Scam: Scammers may use Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to impersonate your family member or loved one through a phone call or even sometimes via video. They will use A.I. to manipulate voice recordings or videos from social media in order to try and steal your money or personal information.
Grandparent Scam: Scammers pose as a grandchild (or another family member), claiming to be in urgent need of money, often due to a car accident or legal trouble. They may even ask you to keep the situation a secret from other family members.
Romance Scam: Scammers build a fake online relationship with you, often through social media or dating websites. Over time, they ask for money, usually under the guise of needing it for an emergency, travel expenses, or medical bills.
Fake Charity Scam: Scammers impersonate charities, especially after natural disasters or during the holidays, asking for donations. They exploit your compassion, often providing false information about how the money will be used. These are often unsolicited phone calls or texts. If you want to donate to charities in times of need/natural disasters, it’s best to find a trusted charitable organization that you reach out to yourself in order to make a donation.
Tech Support Scam: Seniors may receive a phone call or pop-up message claiming their computer has a virus and offering tech support. The scammer often asks for remote access to the computer, steals personal information, or demands payment for unnecessary repairs.
RED FLAGS TO WATCH OUT FOR
They demand payment via gift cards. Scammers will insist you must purchase specific gift cards and share the card numbers/PIN over the phone.
They use high-pressure, urgent tactics. Scammers will say the payment must be made immediately or else you will be arrested. They will often try to keep you on the phone until the payment is made, to ensure you don’t have time to pause or think it through.
They try to spoof an agency’s phone number, personnel, and badge IDs. Scammers will try to appear more official by spoofing your local law enforcement’s number, provide fake names, badge IDs or case numbers. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a call, hang up and confirm with the agency yourself.
HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF
Be skeptical of unsolicited calls. If you receive a call you weren’t expecting, be suspicious. Scammers often initiate contact by phone or text, while legitimate organizations usually communicate by email or official letters. You can always confirm the legitimacy of a call by reaching out to the agency directly, using a number you find yourself on their official website.
Don’t share personal information. Never share sensitive information like your Social Security number, banking information, or passwords over the phone, especially if you didn’t initiate the call. Scammers can use this information for identity theft.
Don’t agree to immediate payments. Scammers often pressure victims into making immediate payments or donations, particularly through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. No legitimate company or government agency will ask for payment in these forms.
Watch out for high-pressure tactics. If a caller urges you to make quick decisions or offers a “limited-time offer” or an “urgent problem,” take a moment to think it through. Scammers often use urgency to manipulate victims into making poor decisions.
Be cautious with “free” offers. If a call promises something that seems too good to be true – like a free prize or loan – it’s probably a scam. Always do your research before accepting any unsolicited offers.
ALWAYS REMEMBER
Scammers are highly manipulative, trying to keep you on the line as you buy gift cards, threatening arrest or frozen assets if you hesitate.
No real agency will ever demand gift cards as payment. No matter what they say, government agencies will NEVER tell you to buy a gift card to pay them.
Law enforcement will never call to demand immediate payment – the courts send an official notice or require you to appear in person for a hearing.
To avoid being scammed, you and your family should stay vigilant, educate yourself on common scams, and be cautious about sharing personal or financial information. Encouraging open communication with your family about potential scams can also help reduce the risk.
If you think you have been scammed or contacted by a scammer, report it to your local law enforcement agency or the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau by calling (614) 525-3351. Even if you did not fall victim to the scam, we want to know about it, so we can stay ahead of the scammers.
You can also report directly to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
MORE RESOURCES
Federal Trade Commission – https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams
Better Business Bureau – https://www.bbb.org/all/scam-prevention
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/fraud/
FBI Common Frauds & Scams: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams