Phone Scam Claimed Refund Was Owed to Victim

The McCracken County Sheriff’s Department is warning the public of another telephone scam.

Over the previous week, the Sheriff’s Department learned that scammers have called potential victims claiming to be employees of an online computer repair business that is closing. They claim that a refund is owed, ask for remote access to the victim's computer and make it appear that a refund has been put in to the victim's bank account. 

The scammer will then claim that they accidentally deposited too much money, so they ask the victim to purchase pre-paid credit cards for the difference and then provide the card numbers.

The Sheriff's Department says some scammers have apparently gained access to information on the computers that could compromise the victim's identity or financial assets.

Investigation has determined that the scams are originating from an overseas location. 

The Sheriff's Department reminds everyone that most legitimate businesses don't request prepaid credit cards for financial transactions, so if a caller makes that suggestion, it is probably a scam.

It is never a good idea to share remote access to a computer or any personal or financial information.