(Douglas County, CO) On this Cyber Monday, many of us will be spending more time shopping online—but so are scammers. Ray, a Douglas County resident and pastor, knows firsthand how convincing these scams can be. His wife got a pop-up message on their computer that instructed them to call a phone number. They were told someone had used their account to purchase child pornography and they needed to withdraw tens of thousands of dollars from their bank account and put it into a new account with numbers provided by the person on the phone. Ray and his wife took the money out of the bank, then realized they were being scammed. Ray said, “There were so many red flags. But it was more than I could bear. I’m a pastor, and the idea of me telling a lie-which was what it was turning out to be-I just could not do it.”
He shared his story in this video to prevent others from falling victim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAiwA_Fcmyc
“The people that I worry about most are the individuals who say that could never happen to me,” Ray said.
Ray’s instincts saved him from falling victim, but not everyone gets that chance. Scammers are skilled at preying on emotions, urgency, and trust.
Here are a few tips to keep you safe:
- Be suspicious of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls. Verify the sender before clicking links or sharing personal information.
- Look for red flags like misspellings or urgent requests for payment or action.
- Use secure payment methods. Avoid wiring money or using prepaid gift cards.
- Protect your devices. Keep software updated and use antivirus programs.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts—just like Ray did. Always pause and verify before acting. If you suspect a scam, report it to us right away.