**Grand Junction, CO – **The Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) is warning residents about an ongoing financial scam in which scammers impersonate government agencies, law enforcement, or other legitimate businesses and demand payment using gift cards.
GJPD has received multiple reports of scammers instructing victims to purchase gift cards and then provide a photo of the card along with the PIN number on the back. Once scammers receive the card information, they immediately drain the funds, leaving victims with little or no chance of recovering their money. In some cases, victims have lost several thousand dollars.
The Grand Junction Police Department encourages residents to protect themselves by following these tips:
Verify the source. If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email claiming to be from a government agency, law enforcement, or a business, contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number or official website.
Protect your personal information. Never provide sensitive information, including your Social Security number, banking information, passwords, or account credentials, unless you have independently verified who you are speaking with.
Never pay with gift cards. No legitimate government agency, law enforcement agency, or reputable business will demand payment using gift cards.
Trust your instincts. Scammers often create a sense of urgency or fear to pressure victims into acting quickly. Slow down, ask questions, and verify the request before taking any action.
The Grand Junction Police Department encourages everyone to remain vigilant and share this information with family and friends. Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam should contact law enforcement right away.