Sedona Detective Justin White Exposes Scams Threatening the Community

A recent presentation by Sedona Police Department Detective Justin White highlighted the rising concerns surrounding internet and identity safety at the Sedona Public Library on September 25. He stressed the importance of recognizing fraudulent tactics, exemplified by his statement, “If anybody ever asked you to pay with a gift card in any way shape or form, it’s fraud.” His message aimed to educate the community about the warning signs of scams.

Detective White identified over 40 specific types of fraud that pose risks to residents, such as advance fee frauds and romance scams. He noted that amongst these, warrant scams have shown a troubling prevalence. “It’s almost like an average of all of them,” he explained, indicating that many incidents might not be reported until victims have already suffered financial loss.

Earlier this year, local scammers attempted to exploit the identities of real Sedona officers. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) faced similar issues, receiving reports where fraudsters demanded payments through deceptive means. “I was targeted in May by someone trying to impersonate a Coconino County Sheriff’s Office sergeant,” White revealed.

YCSO volunteer fraud investigator Ron Norfleet shared that he had received approximately 25 to 30 reports of such scams in just the last ten weeks, although no money had been lost by residents. “I do not know anybody ever gave him a warrant for not showing up for jury, that doesn’t mean don’t go,” White cautioned, emphasizing that proper channels will never contact individuals about warrants.

Instilling confidence in the community, White advised, “Stay calm and trust your instincts; those are the big things.” He conveyed that many victims have admitted feeling something was amiss, ultimately falling prey to scams due to fear and urgency created by the fraudsters.

The FBI substantiated these concerns, reporting that over 14,190 individuals fell victim to government impersonation scams in 2023, leading to losses exceeding $394 million, as stated in a June press release from their Portland office. White noted that older adults are often targeted, as they may possess a heightened respect for authority.

In light of these threats, White recommended that residents should take proactive steps. “Hang up and call the utility company yourself,” he urged, referencing the Federal Trade Commission’s warning about scammers posing as utility representatives. This advice extends to verifying all claims in person, avoiding unconventional payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency.

He concluded with a firm reminder for individuals not to feel embarrassed. “Please reach out for help if something does happen,” he said, encouraging victims to report incidents that may initially seem minor. Individuals can file reports with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or contact the YCSO Fraud Department at (928) 771-3299 for assistance.