A federal relief scam is now reaching North Alabama, following reports from across the country.
How the Scam Works
The scam starts with calls or texts claiming that victims have unclaimed federal relief funds. Many calls appear to come from a local 256 area code. Recipients are directed to a website where they are asked to provide personal information, including names, phone numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. Some victims have even entered bank account information.
Local Reports and Warnings
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received over 800 reports of this scam in the past two months. Karen Reeves, president of the North Alabama BBB, confirmed that residents in the area are now being targeted. She warned that scammers use urgency to pressure victims into acting immediately.
Safety Advice
Authorities advise anyone told about available government funds to use official .gov websites for verification. Reeves cautioned that these scams will likely continue to spread in the coming weeks, urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources.
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