(AUBURN) - Auburn police are warning residents about a surge in scams targeting the community.
Officers say scammers are using phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media, often pretending to be government agencies, banks, delivery services, or even family members. Their goal is to steal money or personal information.
Police say common scams include fake calls from the IRS or utilities demanding immediate payment, messages claiming a relative is in trouble and needs cash, prize or lottery notices that require a fee, and phony package delivery alerts with dangerous links.
Residents are urged never to send money or gift cards to someone they don't know, and to avoid sharing personal or banking information unless they started the contact themselves. Police also recommend verifying suspicious messages by contacting organizations directly using official phone numbers.
Anyone who believes they may have been scammed should stop all contact immediately, notify their bank, and report the incident to the Auburn Police Department.
Police say awareness is the best defense and encourage residents to share the warning with friends, family, and especially older adults.