MISSOULA – Authorities are warning that there’s been a jump in scams reported in Missoula County.
The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office reports they have become aware of at least four scams over the past few days — including one that is collecting funds on behalf of Trooper Wade Palmer — who was shot and critically wounded last week — and his family.
“Unfortunately, there are people out there who take advantage of these situations. If you are willing to give, please only give to reputable organizations,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post.
Another scam being reported has callers saying that they are with the Social Security Office, or U.S Social Security Administration. They are requesting personal information, specifically people’s Social Security number.
Authorities caution that scammers will even use apps to make it look like they’re calling from the actual organization and that people should not give out personal information to anyone over the phone even if it appears to be the right number.
The third scam has been making the rounds for a while in Western Montana, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The scammer is calling around and referring to himself as Deputy Odlin. There is an officer Odlin but he works for the Missoula Police Department.
But the Sheriff’s Office notes they do not call people and tell them that there’s a warrant for your arrest because of a failure to show up for jury duty or that there’s a warrant for unpaid tickets.
Finally, someone is calling registered sex offenders and saying they are not compliant on the registry and demanding they pay money in order to become compliant.
