Scams
Area business owner charged with exploiting Burlington Junction senior
BURLINGTON JCT., Mo. — When a retired Burlington Junction farmer started getting together for morning coffee with friends at another friend’s local coin shop, he never expected to lose tens of thousands of dollars and one of those friends. Max Jones, 79, told The Forum that he’s still angry about the theft of around $26,320…
Read MoreEducation is key in battling scammers
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Scammers continue to persist in attempting to take hard-earned money from unsuspecting people and after a year of focusing on the issue locally, it appears knowledge and education is the answer to combat it. SERIES INFORMATION This is Part 12 of The Forum’s yearlong series about scams. With the ever-evolving nature of…
Read MoreHolidays ripe for scammers
MARYVILLE, Mo. — As the holidays begin to arrive with bells on, scammers abound, prepared to swindle shoppers out of their money in ways that appear to grow more plentiful by the season. According to a recent post by the FBI, “Scammers do not take the holidays off.” SERIES INFORMATION This is Part 11 of…
Read MoreCheck websites, people before purchasing items, equipment
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Oh what luck! While shopping for a rifle, you find a website offering 20 percent off the purchase price should you decide to buy with Bitcoin. Excitedly, you prepare to make your purchase, finding a local Bitcoin ATM and pushing your cash into it, expecting to see it appear in a digital…
Read MoreUtility scammers strike locally
MARYVILLE, Mo. — “Pay NOW to avoid disconnection!” “Click this link to verify your utility account TODAY!!” “You’ve overpaid your electric bill. Provide account information for your refund!” These are just a few of the numerous ways in which scammers attempt to gain access to your financial information. They also pose as utility workers at…
Read MoreClasses back in session and so are scammers
MARYVILLE, Mo. — With school back in session this week at Northwest Missouri State University comes an increased potential for scammers seeking to separate grandparents from their money. SERIES INFORMATION This is Part 8 of The Forum’s yearlong series about scams. With the ever-evolving nature of scams, new AI tech and faster communication, people of…
Read MoreRapid Elite staff, police stop scam
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Last week, while talking to The Forum about trends in shipping scams, staff members at a locally owned package shipping store just so happened to catch and stop a local man from sending cash to a scammer. SERIES INFORMATION This is Part 7 of The Forum’s yearlong series about scams. With the…
Read MoreScammed Maryville man hopes to help others
MARYVILLE, Mo. — While many people who have been scammed tend to be embarrassed, one Maryville man is adamant about telling his story to help educate others who may be contacted by a scam artist. Losing $4,000 — and very nearly $27,000 more — Roland Tullberg spoke to The Forum late last week about his…
Read MoreLocal banks work to spread awareness of scams
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Local banks have for years been working to help their customers and clients after they’ve been scammed, but they’re also working to inform the public ahead of time, to help people better recognize those scams before their money gets involved. SERIES INFORMATION This is Part 5 of The Forum’s yearlong series about…
Read MoreVictim talks scam, loss
MARYVILLE, Mo. — One local woman mustered the courage to talk about the ordeal that not only lost her a considerable amount of money, but also made her uncomfortable in her own home and embarrassed to talk about it. SERIES INFORMATION This is Part 4 of The Forum’s yearlong series about scams. With the ever-evolving…
Read More