The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported Wednesday on a telephone scam occurring across the state.
In each case, a suspect contacted an individual associated with someone who was involved in a motor vehicle crash, identified themselves as the investigating trooper and attempted to solicit money from the victim. The suspect may intimidate the victim with false claims of impending or nonexistent court charges/proceedings.
The public should understand patrol employees will not contact individuals and solicit funds or demand any form of payment. Furthermore, patrol employees do not process bonds or accept money to prevent or dispose of charges.
If a person asks you to send money anywhere, you should assume it’s a scam. Take your time verifying the information by calling phone numbers you locate yourself on verified websites. You should not confirm any identifying information about yourself to the scammer.
If you or someone you know have been contacted in a similar manner, report it to this area’s patrol headquarters at 417-469-3121.
