NEWTON CO. — The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is warning people about a phone scam in which the callers claim to be collecting donations for veterans. The calls are coming from a Morocco (area code 285) number.
“The resident asked them to send a donation envelope with details,” said Capt. Shannon Cothran. “The caller became rude and insisted the resident commit to an amount, making the donation by phone. The resident refused.”
Cothran said at this time, the office is not aware of any legit donation by phone program originating from a 285 number.
RELATED | Beware of “neighbor spoofing” phone scam
“There is a Veteran’s assistance program for Newton County, donations can be made through the Jasper Newton Foundation,” said Cothran.
The sheriff’s office wants to remind people to never give your banking, credit card, or other financial information over the phone to anyone you do not personally know or trust.
“A request for you to purchase gift cards and call them back with the card numbers is a red flag,” said Cothran.
