Scams are increasingly common, especially during the busy holiday season. To help residents stay safe, the Clayton Police Department launched a Scam Awareness Campaign to highlight red flags, share practical tips, and educate the community about common scams. The campaign ran Sunday, November 23 through Saturday, November 29.
Detective Emily Shotwell, who led the campaign, reminds residents that scams are constantly evolving. “Unfortunately, be wary of everything,” she said. “Try to educate yourself because as soon as people start catching on, scammers change their tactics.”
Residents are encouraged to be cautious with unexpected calls, texts, or emails. Modern phones often have scam filters or settings requiring callers to identify themselves before the phone rings. Suspicious activity should always be reported to your bank and the Clayton Police Department.
“You are never alone. Do not feel embarrassed to report it. We will do everything we can to help,” Shotwell added.
Rental scams are a frequent threat. Scammers post fake listings online and ask for deposits through apps like Cash App, Zelle, or Venmo. Shotwell said victims may sign a lease or even move in, only to discover the property is not legally available, leaving them heartbroken and having to move out. Keeping documentation and reporting suspicious listings helps police investigate and protect others.
Scams are not limited to housing. Remote work scams target job seekers with offers that promise high pay for minimal work. These often come through unsolicited emails or texts. Residents should never share banking information or full Social Security numbers and should verify opportunities directly with legitimate companies.
Similarly, fake check scams take advantage of people looking for quick payments. Victims may receive checks for more than the agreed amount and be asked to return the excess or receive entirely fraudulent checks. Depositing these can result in financial loss. Always verify checks with your bank and report suspicious activity to the Clayton Police Department.
Shotwell explained how gift card scams use the same tactic of urgency and fear, pressuring residents to send cards for fake debts or emergencies. Scammers may even use personal details found online to make the situation seem real. Residents should double-check recipients, keep documentation, block suspicious numbers, and report scams to the police.
As the holidays approach, shopping scams also increase. Shotwell said thieves take advantage of busy residents, targeting packages left in plain sight or exploiting unsuspecting buyers online. Residents should secure purchases in vehicles or at home, use safe, monitored locations for online exchanges, and verify emails and links from retailers. Breaking down boxes of valuable items before discarding them also helps prevent theft.
Package delivery scams are a natural extension of this risk. Shotwell shared how thieves often target parcels during busy shopping seasons, sometimes following delivery trucks through neighborhoods or snatching packages left unattended. Residents can reduce risk by arranging secure delivery options, tracking shipments, notifying neighbors, and using cameras when possible. Stolen packages should be reported to both retailers and the police.
The Clayton Police Department encourages residents to watch the full series of seven videos shared on social media for additional tips and examples of local scams. Each day of the campaign focused on a different scam topic, helping residents stay informed and prepared. You can watch the CDP Scam Awareness videos here.