Authorities in Caruthersville have issued a warning about a surge in phone scams where fraudsters pose as local bank representatives, using spoofing technology to deceive residents into revealing sensitive information.
Caruthersville police are warning residents about callers posing as representatives of local banks in what authorities describe as a phishing-style phone scam. People have reported calls claiming there is suspicious activity on an account, a problem with a debit card or another urgent banking issue, with the aim of persuading victims to hand over account numbers, PINs, Social Security numbers, online banking log-ins or one-time security codes.
Police said scammers may also use spoofing technology to make the number on a recipient’s phone look local and familiar, adding a false sense of legitimacy. The advice is to end the call immediately, avoid sharing any information and contact the bank directly using the number on the back of a debit card or the bank’s official website.
The warning follows a pattern of similar fraud alerts in Caruthersville and the wider Pemiscot County area. In 2016, police and the sheriff’s office cautioned residents about callers claiming to be law enforcement and demanding money, while more recent alerts have covered a fake sweepstakes letter and a gift card scam aimed at older adults. Police again urged residents to pass the latest warning on to elderly relatives and others who may be more vulnerable to such schemes.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
