03/26/2025
🚨 SCAM ALERT: Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones! 🚨
Good morning friends and family. We have recently had a client get scammed out of $200,000. My heart is broken, but more than that, I am livid to know that this client was taken advantage of because of his/her age.
🔴 To the elderly in our community: If you get a phone call claiming you have won money or that you owe money and they ask for your personal information, HANG UP THE PHONE. If you receive a text message claiming you have won money or owe money and it tells you to click a link, DELETE THE MESSAGE. DO NOT CLICK THE LINK.
🔴 To anyone taking care of an elderly loved one: Please be vigilant in watching their accounts. Talk to them, ask questions, and educate them about these scams.
💔 This is not just happening in New York or California—this is happening right here in Marion County, Columbia, Mississippi.
Common Scams to Watch Out For:
⚠️ Publisher’s Clearing House Scam – Scammers claim you’ve won a prize but must pay fees or taxes upfront. Real sweepstakes never require payment to win.
⚠️ Toll Booth Scam – Fake emails or texts say you owe toll fees and must pay through a fraudulent link. Only pay tolls through official government websites.
⚠️ Sheriff’s Department Scam – A scammer posing as law enforcement claims you have a warrant or missed jury duty and must pay to avoid arrest. Authorities do not collect payments over the phone.
⚠️ Fake Investment & Banking Scams – Calls, texts, or emails promising high returns or claiming there’s an issue with your account. Always verify directly with your bank or a trusted financial advisor.
⚠️ Family Emergency Scam – Someone pretending to be a relative calls, claiming they are in trouble and need money urgently. Verify with other family members before sending anything.
🔹 How to Protect Yourself & Others:
✅ Never share personal or financial information over the phone.
✅ Verify any request for money or personal info by contacting the company directly.
✅ Report scams to FTC or local law enforcement.
✅ Educate your elderly loved ones and help them recognize red flags.
If you need help or suspect that you or a loved one has been scammed, please reach out to the Police Department, Sheriff's Department, or Berry Law Firm at 601-736-3004.
If you suspect a scam, STOP – THINK – VERIFY. Stay safe and protect your hard-earned money! 💙
