B.J. FLETCHER: Scammers go after your pride, dignity, as well as your money

Be wise, my friends. If it sounds too good to be true … run … because, trust me, its a scam.

And these scammers are sophisticated. They have no empathy for anyone. You are their job, their target. They will bleed you like a pig getting ready for slaughter. They will go after your dignity, pride and life savings. These low-lifes have no mercy.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported $10 billion — with a “B” — just in 2023 fraud cases. If these scammers’ stories were actually true, the Lifetime Chanel wouldn’t be necessary.

No, your relative doesn’t need a gift card to get out of jail. The government doesn’t ask for gift cards, and your state will not send you an email asking for toll road charges. And if your boss asks for a PIN number and a gift card, quit. He’s a joke.

Scammers often create a sense of urgency so they can bypass your better instincts. As Ann Peeples’ song goes, “Beware of the dog.” The bone they bring to you is used and chewed up, my dear friend, and it’s dirty as hell.

Why am I saying all of this? Did you know Georgia is actually the No. 1 state that scammers attack? I guess they think we are dumb and full of scum. I have lived this nightmare.

But it’s all good. As you all know me, I will turn this disaster into a positive, and as I did when I sat on the commission seat for eight years, I will be here if you need advice and you need to know the truth. Together we will tear their playhouse down. We will save the next victim.

Fighting fraud is a team effort. There are some trusted resources: The IRS. Social Security. Secret Service. FightCybercrime.Org. FTC Consumer Info. The National Center for Victims.

But please keep in mind, these groups will never call you on the phone or send you an email. Letters are how the government communicates with us unless they are at your door ready to pick you up. They will never ask you for personal information. Don’t you think they know more about you than you do about yourself?

Share this article with people you care about. Most of your family or friends will be too ashamed to confide in you. These scams are real. They will destroy your family and life, if you allow them to.

Be vigilant. May God be with you all. Stay safe.