Scammers Using Scare Tactics On Victims

DENVER (CBS4) - It starts with a phone call threatening a summons as scammers are using scare tactics to try to get victims to part with their money.

4 On Your Side Consumer Investigator Jodi Brooks looked into the message she got on her machine. The message threatened a summons and a possible court appearance about fraudulent charges.

Diane Krueger also got the message and it stopped her for a minute before she realized she was dealing with a scam.

"Diane Krueger, you have officially been notified, good luck," the message said.

The caller uses words like "summons division," "appear in court," and "serve legal documents."

"It does look like they're pursuing you on two fraudulent charges," the message said.

"First of all your heart goes up in your throat and you're like, 'Oh my gosh, what in the world?' " Krueger said.

Krueger took a deep breath. She knew she didn't have any outstanding debt or fraudulent charges.

"There's a good chance something is fishy here," she said.

She called the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office and spoke with investigator John Skoglund.

"It's all a scam, it's bogus," Skoglund said. "But they put a strong fear in these individuals and they want to get it resolved."

The scammers are banking that people will get the call and act quickly by paying them money.

"At this point we will allow you an opportunity to contact the attorney's office that is handling your case," the message states.

The attorney's office named is Knox and Associates. Brooks looked up the firm up didn't find any complaints. She did find one online complaint associated with the number given on the voice message and called the number to ask a few questions.

"So right now at this time I'm going to start a recording on here. Right now you're harassing us. Don't call this office again," the man on the other end said.

"If you think it might be legitimate we tell people to ask that something be sent to them in writing," Skoglund said.

Do not give out personal or financial information before first verifying exactly who's on the other end of the line.

The scam comes in several forms. Sometimes the person on the phone says they're a process server, sometimes a law office, and sometimes they say they're law enforcement and they're on their way to arrest you. Don't be afraid to challenge the person on the phone.