Beech Tree News Network

If someone calls and says that you have won a lottery and a new car and then asks you to send them money, don't believe it!  It's a scam, according to Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward.

Sheriff Ward said his office has be contacted 3-4 times per week over the last three weeks regarding this scam and some of those calling have been cheated out of money.

Some of the calls, according to Ward, have been "aggressive" in nature and one even threatened physical violence if instructions were not followed.  The sheriff says the call is actually originating from overseas with the caller giving instructions to go to Rite Aid or Walmart and get a Visa/Green Dot credit card, and then to call back with the card number.  Once the scam caller gets the card number, the money will be withdrawn from the account.  Dollar amounts requested have ranged from $250 to $500.  The caller also promises a new car (Cadillac or BMW) that is supposedly on its way. 

"Say no thank you and hang-up," said Sheriff Ward.  "Don't get into a conversation with these people."

If you receive a call fitting this description, please contact the sheriff's department at 526-3676.