A Message from Kirk Wilson, Chief of Police, Lone Tree Police Department
*This story was originally published on September 1, 2023 and updated on January 10, 2024.
Dear Lone Tree,
We want to bring your attention to a concerning issue that has been affecting communities across the nation, including our own. Criminals are targeting vulnerable individuals, especially seniors, by posing as government officials, lawyers, or potential romantic partners, and attempting to scam them out of their hard-earned money.
Protecting Yourself From Scams
Remember, NO law enforcement agency, including LTPD or the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will ever call you demanding money to avoid jail time or any other charges. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a government agency, or someone you don’t personally know asking for money, we urge you to “Think SCAM” and follow these simple steps:
Stop: If someone is trying to pressure you into giving them money, stop right there. Take a moment to gather your thoughts and don’t rush into any decisions. Scammers often use urgency to manipulate their victims.
Call: Reach out to a family member, friend, or directly contact the Lone Tree Police Department at 303.799-0533. A genuine law enforcement agency will always welcome your inquiries, while scammers will try to dissuade you from talking to others.
Ask: Consult your friends, family members, or even law enforcement about the phone call you received. Seeking advice from someone emotionally removed from the situation can help you identify potential warning signs that you might miss.
Make an informed decision: Don’t let fear or emotions drive your actions. Scammers prey on your anxieties and concerns about law enforcement trouble. Take your time, gather information, and make a decision based on knowledge, not fear.
Again, please be aware that Lone Tree Police Officers and staff will never call demanding money. Scammers may use tactics like spoofing their phone number to make it appear as if we are calling you. Remember, no legitimate agency will ever ask for payment in gift cards.
Don’t let your Loved Ones Become the Next Tragic Example
There are unfortunately too many heartbreaking stories of our senior community being targeted by these kinds of scams. Scammers have called Lone Tree residents claiming to be lawyers representing a victim’s children asking for money. These monsters have called and threatened members of our community erroneously threatening legal action or jail time for crimes they have not committed. Their goal is to put innocent, law abiding citizens into a panic, taking logic out of the equation and getting them to drain tens of thousands of dollars from their bank accounts. We’re calling on all of our residents to take care of their loved ones and share this information with the seniors in your lives, so they do not become another sad example of fraud.
We’re Here to Help
If you receive any suspicious calls or encounter any suspicious individuals, don’t hesitate to report it to us immediately at 303.799.0533. Together, we can protect our community from these deceitful scams and ensure the safety and security of our beloved residents, especially our valued seniors.
Stay vigilant, informed, and connected, and together, we can keep Lone Tree a safe place for everyone.