Police Warn Against Surge of Nationwide Scams

Authorities across the United States are warning about a surge in various scams, including viral social media posts falsely claiming police officers are missing, phone scams impersonating loved ones, and fraudulent text messages about unpaid toll fees. Recent incidents include a Missouri woman nearly sending money to a scammer who mimicked her daughter's voice, prompting police to advise families to adopt verification code words and to remember that law enforcement never requests money by phone. Kentucky officials are cautioning against text scams impersonating state agencies to collect fake toll debts, clarifying that legitimate agencies do not solicit payments via text links. Police departments in Michigan, Indiana, and Mississippi have also debunked fake Facebook posts about missing female officers, warning that these are attempts to steal personal information and incite unnecessary panic. Residents are urged to verify alarming claims directly with authorities and avoid sharing unverified information. The wave of scams highlights the need for public vigilance and skepticism toward unsolicited communications.