Common scams exposed: what you should avoid
This collection of stories exposes various scams and advises readers on how to avoid them.
Beware of phone calls claiming to be from Wichita police officers requesting payment for missed court dates. Similarly, avoid falling for email scams that trick real estate agents into transferring large sums to illegitimate bank accounts by altering email addresses. Additionally, emails posing as county notices aim to deceive homeowners with fake warranty offers, and text messages falsely claim to originate from the Kansas Turnpike Authority to collect toll payments. Fraudulent contractors and individuals impersonating lawyers prey on vulnerable people for financial gain. Read the stories below.
NO. 1: KANSAS MAN FINED AND MUST REFUND CLIENT AFTER PRETENDING TO BE LAWYER, DA’S OFFICE SAYS
The 53-year-old man agreed to pay back the woman back the $500 he took, plus a fine, court records show. He will have to pay back more if he violates his probation. | Published July 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michael Stavola
NO. 2: MAN BILKED ELDERLY WICHITANS OF THOUSANDS IN TREE-TRIMMING SCAM. HE’S DONE THIS BEFORE
All of the victims were in their 80s or 90s and at least some struggled with diminished cognitive states. | Published September 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Amy Renee Leiker
NO. 3: TEXT SCAM USES KANSAS’ NEW TOLL PAYMENT NAME AND LOGO TO SOLICIT MONEY, OFFICIALS SAY
KTA said it learned about the scam Tuesday afternoon. | Published September 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michael Stavola
NO. 4: IF YOU GET A CALL FROM SOMEONE WHO CLAIMS TO BE A WICHITA OFFICER AND ASKS THIS, HANG UP
Here’s how to avoid being scammed. | Published September 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Eduardo Castillo
NO. 5: WICHITA MAN WHO SEARCHED OBITS, ROBBED PEOPLE’S HOMES DURING FUNERALS GETS PRISON
Gary Steven Garrett, 50, was sentenced Thursday on 25 counts. | Published October 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Eduardo Castillo
NO. 6: WICHITA CONTRACTOR BARRED FROM DOING BUSINESS, ORDERED TO PAY OVER $80,000
The court assessed an additional penalty of $20,000 on top of the $60,322 he already owed. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Eduardo Castillo
NO. 7: ‘SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS’ GONE IN BAD BANK TRANSFER, KANSAS DA SAYS OF SCAM
Someone tricked parties involved in a property sale with fake email addresses that were so close to the real ones no one noticed until it was too late. | Published January 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Amy Renee Leiker
NO. 8: ‘DECEPTIVE’ POSTCARD ARRIVING IN LOCAL MAILBOXES. DON’T FALL FOR IT, DA’S OFFICE SAYS
People experiencing cognitive decline are especially vulnerable because the mailers “intentionally prey on their anxieties, vulnerabilities and ability to recall events,” the DA’s Office says. | Published April 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Amy Renee Leiker
NO. 9: WICHITA HEALTH CLINIC WARNS PATIENTS OF CYBERSECURITY INCIDENT. WERE YOU AFFECTED?
The incident may have exposed patients’ Social Security numbers, financial account information and driver’s licenses, among other information. | Published May 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Eduardo Castillo
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.