The Aberdeen Police Department is warning residents about several scams targeting members of the community, including extortion schemes, virtual kidnapping scams, and fraudulent warrant calls.
According to the department, scammers use fear, graphic images, spoofed phone numbers, and manipulated or AI-generated voices to convince victims that they or their family members are in immediate danger.
In extortion scams, victims receive graphic images from individuals claiming to be cartel members. The scammers threaten the victims and demand money, claiming they will be harmed if they do not pay.
In virtual kidnapping scams, scammers may use manipulated or AI-generated voices to make it sound as though a victim’s loved one has been kidnapped. The victim may hear what sounds like a family member crying or asking for help before the scammer demands money and threatens to harm or kill the purported hostage.
The department also continues to receive reports of warrant and jury duty scams, which have resurfaced in recent weeks.
In warrant scams, callers claim there is an active warrant for the victim’s arrest and demand immediate payment to avoid being arrested. Scammers may use the name of an actual police officer or deputy and spoof a department phone number to make the call appear legitimate.
Police said the scammers rely on creating a sense of fear and urgency so victims will send money before taking time to verify the situation.
The department advises residents not to send money or provide personal or financial information in response to suspicious calls.
Residents who receive a concerning call should take time to verify the situation by contacting family members directly using a known phone number. Anyone unsure whether a call is legitimate can also contact their local police department using a phone number obtained independently, rather than one provided by the caller.
Once a scam has been confirmed, police recommend blocking all related calls.
Tips from the Aberdeen Police Department:
• Do not send money.
• Do not provide personal or financial information.
• Take a moment to breathe and verify the situation.
• Call your family member directly using a number you already have saved.
• Contact your local police department for assistance if you are unsure—using a phone number you independently look up—not a number provided by the caller.
• Once you have confirmed it is a scam, block all related calls
Feature photo by Sandhills Sentinel photographer Melissa Schaub.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Written by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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