Kirbyville resident recently scammed-How to be sure before sending the money

Scammers are getting high-tech these days and they seek out vulnerable people who are more likely to believe their lies. Unfortunately, this morning a resident of Kirbyville fell for their scheme and actually did send the money requested.

Kirbyville Police Officer Scotty Duncan said, "If someone calls you and tells you that they are with the Police Department or the Sheriff's Department and that you have a fine and need to send money, don't do it. We will never call you and ask you to pay a fine over the phone."

Duncan added that recently scammers are using background recordings that sound like they really are law enforcement, but they aren't. Using AI they can even 'clone' the voice of a trusted individual and make the call seem even more convincing.

Duncan said that they've also received reports of people being told that they have won a large cash prize, but either need to send a 'cash deposit' or banking information to receive the money. This too is fraud. If you have to send money to receive money, it's not legitimate.

"If you receive one of these calls, let us know." Duncan added, "We can verify whether or not the call is valid or a scam because once you send the money, it's too late."