By SALINA POST
The Salina Police Department warns residents to remain vigilant after a local woman fell victim to a scam that cost her $1,900.
According to SPD Captain James Feldman, a 40-year-old Salina resident reported ongoing issues with her internet service. While attempting to resolve the problem, she searched online for a customer service number for Cox Communications. She called 877-508-2794, a number she found online, and was connected to someone who claimed her account was flagged for illegal gambling and child pornography transactions.
The scam escalated when she was transferred to someone claiming to represent Chase Bank. The fraudsters convinced her to purchase $1,900 in Apple and Walmart gift cards and provide the card numbers, promising to refund the amount to her account. When the funds were not returned, she contacted Chase Bank using the number on the back of her credit card, only to learn that her account had no such charges and Cox had not flagged her account.
Feldman emphasized that no legitimate company or government entity will ever request payment via gift cards. Residents are urged to contact customer service numbers listed on official bills or credit cards to avoid falling victim to similar scams.