The Prescott Police Department is urging residents to remain vigilant as scams and fraud cases continue to rise at an alarming rate. Since January 1, 2025, reported scams in the Prescott area have resulted in over $2 million in losses—and this number does not include additional cases of identity theft, credit card fraud, or smaller monetary scams.
These scams often begin subtly but can escalate quickly, exploiting victims emotionally and financially—particularly in our senior population. The impact is devastating. In one case, a local resident lost $632,000 in a romance scam. Gift card scams have ranged from a few hundred dollars to over $33,000.
The following are some of the most common scam types affecting our community:
- Romance Scams: Scammers form fake online relationships and build trust over time, eventually requesting money for made-up emergencies, travel expenses, or medical bills. These scams often go undetected for months and result in large financial losses.
- Bank Impersonator Scams: Victims receive calls or texts claiming to be from their bank’s fraud department. The scammer warns of suspicious activity and offers to “safeguard” remaining funds—often requesting a transfer via Bitcoin or other irreversible methods.
- Warrant or Arrest Scams: A caller claims to be law enforcement, warning the victim of a warrant for their arrest due to missed jury duty, unpaid tickets, or other fabricated charges. Victims are told they must pay immediately—often via gift cards or cryptocurrency—to avoid jail.
- Email Impersonation Scams: These appear to come from trusted contacts, businesses, banks, or organizations and ask recipients to purchase gift cards, send money, or click on malicious links.
- Facebook Marketplace Scams: Fraudulent buyers or sellers manipulate transactions, frequently asking for deposits or offering fake payment confirmations.
- “I’m in Jail” Scams: A caller pretends to be a friend or family member in legal trouble, often saying they were arrested or injured and need bail money urgently.
What You Need to Know
These scammers are manipulative and calculated. They prey on fear, urgency, greed, need, and isolation—using high-pressure tactics to force quick decisions. They will often insist that you act immediately, keep the situation secret, and follow their instructions without question. If you hesitate or question them, they may become aggressive or threatening. One of the biggest red flags is how they ask for money. Scammers frequently request payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin), cash sent in the mail, or electronic payment platforms such as PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo.
We cannot stress this enough—if someone is requesting payment in any of these forms, it is almost certainly a scam.
If there is ever any doubt in your mind that you may be falling victim to a scam, hang up the phone, stop all communication immediately, and call our 24/7 dispatch line at (928) 445-3131. Our officers would much rather walk you through a suspicious situation in real time than have to take a report after your money is gone.
Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones
We urge all residents, especially those with older family members or neighbors, to have open conversations about scams. Prescott being a senior community makes us a primary target for these criminals.
Talk to your loved ones. Ask questions. And when in doubt, call us.
If you believe you are being scammed, immediately cease all contact with the suspected scammer and call our 24/7 non-emergency dispatch line at (928) 445-3131.
If you would like to schedule a fraud prevention presentation in your neighborhood, community group, or senior living facility, please contact our Crime Prevention Specialist at (928) 777-1900 ext. 5611.
The Prescott Police Department remains committed to protecting our residents and providing the tools and education necessary to prevent victimization.
