My husband, Jim, and I recently received a voicemail from a stern-sounding man.
He stated, "Arrest warrant has been issued; your physical address is under federal investigation. Call immediately at 209-975-7465." He ordered us to return the call.
It was obviously a recording. The message didn't start on time, and part of it was missing. In addition, neither my name nor address was mentioned; it was a generic recording.
This message was so ludicrous, I laughed.
However, I am certain that many people would find a call like this scary, and they could be bilked out of hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Even if a caller pretends to be the IRS or another agency, never return a call such as this. If you have questions about a suspicious call, please call the Crestview Police Department, 682-3544, or the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, 689-5650.
In another scam, the "court system" says you didn't return your jury questionnaire, and an arrest warrant has been issued.
However, this group — in the spirit of "helping" you, for the mere sum of $5 — will make the warrant go away; just give them your checking account number or a credit card number.
Of course, once you give them either number your checking account will be immediately drained or your credit card will be charged to its maximum limit.
Be aware that government agencies don't leave messages on your phone. They rarely call, they certainly don't bully you, nor do they want gift cards as payment for taxes owed.
Generally, all government agencies send notices by mail.
The latest scam that has come to my attention is one in which hackers use so-called ransomware to hijack your computer.
Hackers send an email, which if you open, gives them access to your computer, or they use suspicious websites.
Either way, they control all your computer's data.
They encrypt your files so that you cannot access them, and then the hackers tell you in order to unlock the encryption, you must pay them in untraceble bitcoins.
Even if you pay, most of the time they will not release your files. Please be careful opening email from unknown senders, and be especially aware of clicking on websites when you are on the internet.
Be aware: With Christmas season approaching, it seems it is the season for scammers.
Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: 'Tis the season for scammers