Scam Alert: Don’t Let High-Pressure Threats Trap You
Scammers are increasingly targeting Oklahomans with frightening, urgent claims: that you’ve missed a court summons, violated jury duty, or are about to be arrested unless you pay immediately. They may demand payment through cryptocurrency kiosks, prepaid cards, cash withdrawals, gift cards, or money apps.
These criminals are skilled at creating fear, isolation, and urgency. Their goal is to separate you from your money before you have time to think.
This guide explains why these scams work, how to recognize the red flags, and what to do if you or someone you know is targeted.
Common Scam Scenarios in Our Area
1. The Fake Warrant / Missed Jury Duty Scam
You receive a call from someone claiming to be a deputy with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. They tell you that you’ve missed a jury summons and now have a warrant for your arrest. The scammer says the only way to avoid being taken into custody is to pay a “bond” immediately.
They may:
- Spoof the sheriff’s office phone number.
- Send fake documents with your name.
- Stay on the phone while directing you to a Bitcoin machine, ATM, or retailer to buy gift cards.
2. The Police Number Spoof Scam
The caller appears to be from the Tulsa Police Department non-emergency number. They demand payment for a “failure to appear” and instruct you to withdraw cash or load prepaid cards. (read more)
3. The Financial Safety / “Move Your Money” Scam
A scammer claims your credit union or bank account has been compromised. They tell you not to trust your financial institution or even your family. They pressure you to move your money to a “safe account,” usually through crypto, wire transfer, or gift cards.
Red Flags: How to Spot the Scam
1. Immediate Payment Demands
Law enforcement will never call you to demand instant payment.
2. Payment Through Gift Cards, ATMs, or Crypto
No government agency accepts payment this way.
3. High-Pressure Tactics
Scammers use fear, threats, and urgency to force quick decisions.
4. Isolation
Scammers insist you stay on the phone and not contact anyone else.
5. Spoofed Caller ID
Caller ID can be faked. Never trust it alone.
6. Requests for Personal Info
Law enforcement does not call asking for Social Security numbers, birthdates, or account numbers.
What To Do If You’re Targeted
1. Hang Up Immediately
Do not stay on the phone. Do not explain. Just hang up.
2. Do Not Pay — in Any Form
If someone demands payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, ATM withdrawal, or wire transfer, it is a scam.
3. Contact Law Enforcement Directly
Use the official numbers:
- Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office: 918-596-5600
- Tulsa Police Department (non-emergency): 918-596-9222
4. Notify Your Credit Union
If you believe your accounts or personal data were exposed, contact Green Country FCU right away. We can help secure your accounts. Call or text us at (918) 245-1301.
5. Report the Scam
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): ic3.gov
- OSBI: osbi.ok.gov
- NCUA Fraud Resources: ncua.gov
6. Talk About It
Discuss these scams with family members—especially seniors—who scammers frequently target.
7. Strengthen Your Security
Use strong passwords, change them regularly, and enable multi-factor authentication.
How Green Country FCU Helps Protect You
Scammers often tell victims not to trust their credit union. This is deliberate. At Green Country FCU, we want you to know:
- We never demand money over the phone.
- We never ask you to withdraw cash or purchase gift cards.
- We never tell you to move money to a “safe account.”
If something feels off, call us. Our team will help you verify whether a contact is legitimate.
Additional Resources
- FTC: Avoiding Gift Card Scams – consumer.ftc.gov
- FBI: Common Fraud Schemes – fbi.gov
- Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Alerts – tcso.org
- NCUA Fraud Prevention Resources – ncua.gov
