The Kalispell Police Department has seen a recent influx of theft by deception cases resulting from telephone and computer scams. Many of these scams present as if they are an official government entity such as the IRS or DEA prompting people to transfer money to scammers or enforcement action will be taken.
The thieves can be very convincing, and people are falling prey to the imposing rhetoric regarding potential consequences. Scammers have claimed to be able to freeze bank accounts, generate arrest warrants, and take legal action against people if they refuse to comply.
The Kalispell Police Department urges people to document the phone number or website the scammers are contacting them from, and by no means should people send money or make any transactions until they reach out to local law enforcement for advice.
Because these scams are often perpetrated from out of the state or even nation, recovering victims’ money once it is sent is almost impossible. If you have questions about a potential scam or have engaged in this type of scenario, please reach out to the Kalispell Police Department for assistance.
Dispatch
Kalispell Police Department
406-758-7780
Captain Jim Wardensky
Kalispell Police Department
406-758-7794
Detective Sergeant Ryan Bartholomew
Kalispell Police Department
406-758-7793