By Tyler Trieglaff

Notes from the Chief

Notes from the Chief…As the holidays are behind us, I should have written this article a few weeks ago, but now will have to do. There is an ever present danger to being the victim of fraudulent activity by professional scammers. I’m not talking like the big alleged daycare scams, but fraud that can happen on the local level. Here are some pointers to look for to hopefully avoid being scammed.  

Never, ever give out your personal information. Never wire money directly to a seller or send prepaid gift cards. (There is a call for service of exactly this happening last week). A financial institution will never ask for your digital banking credentials. Never give cash back on a check if you are selling an item on Marketplace, Craigslist, etc. Never give gift cards to someone you’ve never met in person. Never click a link that looks or feels suspicious or comes unsolicited. Always be aware of deals that seem too good to be true.  

There have been scams by people claiming to be from a government entity such as a sheriff’s office or police department. We will never call to collect money or a fine or threaten arrest over the phone.We may show up unannounced if you have a warrant, but not for overdue fines. Also be aware that people have called grandparents claiming to be their grandchildren and they need gift cards to get out of jail. Please hang up and call the institution or family members to make sure it is legit.

Try to avoid paying for an item before you see it. Meet in a public place to exchange money for goods. Do not be pressured by high demand in-person sales tactics. There have been reports of a company overstaying their welcome, pressuring people to sign a contract. 

If you have any questions about any possible fraud or scams, please contact your local law enforcement.

Friday, Jan. 2

9:27 a.m. Parking citation issued for 24-hour violation.

9:41 a.m. Officer talked with vehicle owner that has had a vehicle in a city lot for some time. The vehicle is damaged and owner was told to move it or it would be towed.

7:19 p.m. Report of two males shoplifting at a business. Unknown if anything was taken, just suspicious activity. Officer advised trespassing the males if they continue to be an issue.

Saturday, Jan. 3

2:01 a.m. Disturbance between a male and female. Female was back from her boyfriend’s house and they were having another argument. Officer gave female a ride to a different male’s residence.

7:59 p.m. Assist with a medical.

9:25 p.m. RR crossing arms malfunctioning west of town. Officer notified BNSF.

Sunday, Jan. 4

12:20 a.m. Male reporting that he was missing 20-30 DVD’s after returning from a short stay at jail.

8:41 p.m. Assist with a juvenile female who was making threats to harm herself.

Monday, Jan. 5

11:52 a.m. Resident has questions about evicting a person who just moved in.

Tuesday, Jan. 6

1:47 p.m. Possible court order violation. Under investigation.

5:23 p.m. Report of a traffic complaint with vehicle driving recklessly on the snow and ice. Officer contacted the boys’ mother.

3:50 p.m. Resident reporting possible fraud. Female was trying to purchase a dog from a breeder and was communicating via social media. Money was sent via an app on two different occasions, and the seller requested yet another cash advance. Buyer became suspicious and did not send any more money. The seller then stopped communicating with buyer. Officer called the cash app company, and they were not able to assist in retrieving the money as the buyer had authorized the transfer. Officer called the county sheriff’s office where the alleged seller was from, and they did not have a listing for that dog breeder. They had also been contacted by other agencies about a different dog breeder saying they were from the area.  

8:32 p.m. Officer removed a dead deer from the traffic lane on St Hwy 87.

8:55 p.m. Female reporting that her husband walked uptown and took money out of her bank account. Husband returned the money. Female took the money and was leaving for the cites as they are splitting up and she now has a girlfriend. Male was upset because someone took money from his retirement savings and he was trying to get even.

Wednesday, Jan. 7

9 a.m. Assist with medical.

4:06 p.m. Stray puppy turned over to police. Puppy was shown on social media looking for its owner and no one claimed her. Puppy was taken to Marshmallow Foundation.

4:08 p.m. Report of a pickup in a private driveway. Pickup was gone by the time officer arrived.

10:07 p.m. Assist with a medical.

Thursday, Jan. 7

1:30 a.m. 911-hang-up leading to officer and deputies returning to our favorite male and female who can’t decide which man she wants to hang with this week. Male and female denied any issues and they were calm for the most part although the female seemed to be higher than a kite. Parties were left to figure out their differences for the morning.