5 THINGS TO KNOW: How to spot the latest 'government' phone scam

Apr. 16—The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office gives information about a phone scam where imposters are calling citizens to tell them they have won money.

1 What is the scam?

The caller claims to be an agent with the Attorney General's office and tells recipients they need to pay a fee to collect their winnings.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said his office does not distribute monetary winnings and does not demand payment over the phone for any reason.

2 Where does the number call from?

This scam has included calls from a 918 area code as well as "unknown" caller ids. One recent report indicates the perpetrators spoofed the official telephone number of the Attorney General's office. No citizens have reported losing money to this scam to date, but Drummond urges Oklahomans to be aware and stay on guard.

3 What are some ways to protect myself from this scam?

Don't wire money or use gift cards, cryptocurrency or a payment app to pay someone who claims to be with the government. Scammers insist you can only pay using these methods because it's hard to track that money, and just as hard to get it back. They will take your money and disappear.

Don't give your financial or personal information to someone who calls, texts, emails or messages you on social media and claims to be with the government. If you think a call or message could be real, stop. Hang up the phone and call that government agency directly at a number you know is correct. If the call is a robocall, don't press any numbers. Pressing numbers could lead to more calls.

4 Are there any other tips?

Don't trust your caller ID. Your caller ID might show the government agency's real phone number or name — like "Social Security Administration." But caller ID can be faked. It could be anyone calling from anywhere in the world.

Don't click on links in unexpected emails, texts or social media messages. Scammers send emails and messages that look like they're from a government agency but are designed to steal your money and personal information. Don't click on any link, and don't pass it on to others. Just delete the message.

5 How can I make a complaint?

Consumer representatives with the OAG can be reached by calling 1-833-681-1895 or by emailing ConsumerProtection@oag.ok.gov. A complaint form can be downloaded by visiting oag.ok.gov/consumer-protection.

—Derrick James