Platte City, MO – As holiday shopping ramps up across Missouri this week, the Platte County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a rise in online and phone-based scams targeting gift buyers, charitable givers, and vulnerable consumers.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are exploiting seasonal spending with a wave of schemes designed to steal money, personal information, or delivered packages. Officials say fake online retail shops are among the most common, with fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate brands and leaving shoppers with counterfeit goods or nothing at all.
Shipping-related scams are also increasing. According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, victims are receiving fake delivery notices or text alerts claiming packages are delayed. These links often lead to credential theft or malware downloads.
Gift card payment scams continue to spike as well. Federal investigators note that criminals often request payment via gift cards because they are difficult to trace once redeemed. Charity fraud, including spoofed donation pages, also rises sharply in December.
The Sheriff’s Office further warns of AI-generated voice impersonation scams that target seniors by posing as relatives or government officials. Social media shopping traps—particularly ads on Facebook and Instagram leading to fake storefronts—round out the list of top threats this season.
Residents are urged to verify websites, avoid clicking unknown tracking links, and never pay unexpected fees with gift cards. Anyone who suspects fraud should contact local law enforcement or report the incident through federal complaint portals.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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