Citizens warned of scams

Authorities in the Rice Capital have been made aware of two scams targeting unsuspecting citizens.

Crowley Chief of Police K.P. Gibson presented the two latest scams that his department has been made aware of recently.

The first is an old standby for scam artists. A caller claims the person has won the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes and requires $200-300 for processing fees before sweepstakes money can be delivered. The caller then directs people to obtain a Green Dot Debit Card, which the scammer can withdraw funds from with the card’s number.

The second is a bit more out there.

A Crowley resident recently received an email from an alleged hitman demanding money to spare them from death.

“Attn: ,” the email opens.

“I feel very sorry for you. It is such a pity that this is how your life is going to end, that’s only when you don’t comply. As you can  see, there is no need to introduce myself to you because I don’t have  anything personal with you, strictly business. I think I should tell  you a little secret, I was paid to Eliminate you, and I have to do it  in just 10 days. Someone you call your friend wants you Dead by all means, and the person have spent a lot of money on this, he also came to me yesterday and told me that he wants your death to suden and painful as a pay back for a beef you both had. He had given us your  names, photograph and all other necessary information’s we needed about you. and I sent my boys to track you down and they have carried out a very strict investigation on you. And I can assure you, we have every information we need for the operation now.

“But since my data shows that you are innocent and I could make more profit out a double deal. then I called my client back and ask for  your e-mail address. And as I write to you, now, my men are monitoring you and your every step.”

The email goes on to present an email, spell out terms of the money exchange – $20,000, $5,000 up front for a tape of evidence of the alleged hit placed on you and then the remaining $15,000.

The emailer warns the victim to not notify police as he or she is being watched. The emailer says he will also extend the hit to the person’s family if he notices “something funny.”

Police warn that it is important to not give into these scams, as well as similar ones and notify the proper authorities if you believe you are a victim of a scam.