The coronavirus pandemic is not slowing down scammers and con artists locally, in fact, it is only making them more creative.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is reporting there have been 10 separate incidents of suspected law enforcement impersonations over the past several weeks across the state. No injuries or stolen property have been reported with any of these incidents so far.
According to several reports, the impersonator travels in a vehicle without official police markings, however, emergency lights are used. The reports go on to say the impersonator will then question drivers as to whether or not their travel is “essential.”
The KBI says if you feel you are being targeted by an impersonator you should slow-down, activate your hazard lights and call 9-1-1 to confirm whether or not the vehicle following you is truly a police vehicle.
Additionally, Kansans are being warned of a new text message scam effort. According to a press release from Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office scammers are sending out text messages stating:
“Someone who came in contact with you tested positive or has shown symptoms for COVID-19 & recommends you self-isolate/get tested.”
The message will then direct you to a website with more information. Residents are told to neither respond to the message or visit the “bogus” website. Attorney General Schmidt says in a press release “We’ve received numerous complaints regarding different types of scams, but this one was particularly egregious for attempting to mislead those targeted into thinking they might have contracted the virus.”
Any Kansan who has been contacted by a COVID-19 scammer should file a complaint with the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division online at www.ag.ks.gov. Residents may also contact the office directly by calling (800) 432-2310 to request a paper complaint form be sent by mail.
If you believe you have recently been stopped by a law enforcement impersonator, please contact your local law enforcement agency and report the incident. Additionally, KBI asks that you please report the information online to the KBI at http://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar or by calling 1-800-KS-CRIME.
