Walton County Sheriff's Department Warns Of Scammers During Holiday Season

Scammers are trying to take away your Christmas cheer. Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson says it’s important to protect yourself from those who want to get a hold of your personal information…especially this time of the year.

The sheriff’s office is receiving calls and questions about possible scammers so he wants to bring the subject to the forefront to keep people from getting cheated.

The sheriff says many scammers have tried to call citizens posing as EMS or hospitals, and asking for money because they claim a loved one has been in an accident.

Scammers have also tried emailing, posing as credit card companies and asking for personal verification. They’ll say your account has been compromised. You might also get emails saying you’ve won a lottery prize. They’ll ask for social security numbers and credit card information.

Sheriff Adkinson says it’s important to remember to never give your personal information online or over email without first contacting the credit card company over the phone. Never send a money transfer to someone you haven’t met.

The sheriff’s office PIO, Mike Morrison says “…what the sheriff’s office is attempting to do here is to educate the public about these scams. Any time there’s suspicious activity or something doesn’t seem right, feel free to contact local law enforcement, especially the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Let us know what’s going on so we can get to work.”

Sheriff Adkinson also says if you think you’ve been scammed…always contact local law enforcement to report it.