(Another Scam Alert)…Scams are very popular during the holiday season.

This alert was issued by the Federal Trade Commission and distributed by the City of Brawley. The scammers are impersonating the police. They claim to be collecting for the IRS or any number of other entities. The scammers can manipulate caller ID, and usually demand payment in the form of a gift card or prepaid card of some type. Be suspicious of these calls. To be sure, hang-up and contact the claimed collecting entity. If you receive a scam call, the City of Brawley says you should contact the police department, on their business line. There is no need to call 911. The Yuma Sheriff’s Office is warning of a more scary scam, in which the scammers threaten to either kidnap, assault or kill the intended victim or family member unless they wire money to them. The callers have been described as having a male voice with a Spanish accent and have claimed to be with a Mexican Cartel. Again, if you receive such a call contact law enforcement.