⚠️ Scam Awareness Reminder for Lake Saint Louis Residents

I wanted to share an important reminder after receiving information from the Lake Saint Louis Police Department about scams affecting residents in our community.

Financial scams continue to increase, especially those involving cryptocurrency or bitcoin kiosks, electronic payments, gift cards, and banking fraud. These scams often rely on fear, urgency, intimidation, and secrecy to pressure people into sending money before they have time to stop and think.

In April alone, Lake Saint Louis residents reported losses of more than $15,000 due to fraudulent scams. Much of that money was sent through bitcoin kiosks at local gas stations.

Before sending money, stop and ask yourself:

📞 Am I on the phone with someone giving me instructions to send money?

🤫 Was I told to keep this secret or lie about why I am sending money?

⚖️ Was I told this payment is needed to avoid arrest, satisfy a warrant, settle taxes, or fix a banking issue?

❤️ Was I told a loved one is in trouble and money is needed immediately?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions:

🛑 Stop what you are doing.

📵 Hang up the phone.

🚶 Walk away from the machine or transaction.

👮 Contact the Lake Saint Louis Police Department or a trusted family member before sending money.

A few things to remember:

• Law enforcement will never demand payment by bitcoin, gift cards, or electronic transfer

• Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not demand immediate payment through threats or intimidation

• Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make a call look legitimate

• These scams can happen to anyone, at any age

If you believe you are being targeted by a scam, contact the Lake Saint Louis Police Department at 636-625-8018 before sending money.

Please share this with family, friends, and neighbors. A quick conversation can help protect someone from losing money.