We have been busy passing these warnings out at every business we could think of that carries gift cards and pre-paid cards to warn people about scams involving these cards.

Please take a moment to read the below information as this is what we are passing out to businesses across the city.

DO YOU:
• Have a loved one hurt or in trouble out of the country?
• Need to pay a Tax or Fee to claim your prize?
• Have a warrant for your arrest and need to pay a fine?
• Need to pay a fine for missed Jury Duty?
• Owe money to the IRS?

STOP! This is a SCAM!

FACTS:
• CALL your loved one who’s hurt or in trouble NOW to verify the information. Talk to them or someone who knows where they are.
• It is ILLEGAL to require money upfront to claim a prize.
• Government agencies DON’T accept pre-paid cards as payment, ONLY cash or check.
• Have a Warrant? Police will just arrest you, NOT demand money.
• Verify! Find the agency’s phone number on your own, call and ask BEFORE sending money.