Sheriff warns of scammers at Walmart

The Sheriff’s Department is warning of potential scammers targeting shopping centers in the area, particularly at Walmart.

A female foreign national, who appeared to speak no English, approached Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark and his wife at the Philadelphia Walmart at about 7 p.m. on Tuesday. She handed him a Christmas card with a note on the back requesting help purchasing items for her family.

“She had several things in her buggy, not to have any money,” Clark said.

When Clark went to the checkout lane, he noticed the woman had two bags in her cart that had been paid for by a young man, totaling over $100.

Clark learned the woman had initially attempted to get the young man to scan and pay for more than $400 worth of items.

He said some of the items in her cart, such as a milk powder supplement for a child, seemed legitimate for a family in need. However, other items, including an expensive digital thermometer, could have easily been returned for cash.

“After she conned him, apparently she went right back into the shopping area trying to solicit other people to purchase items for her,” Clark said.

When Clark revealed his identity and informed the woman that she was not allowed to solicit money, Walmart managers intervened and escorted her out of the store.

It was at that point, Clark said, the woman told him, “Merry Christmas,” in fluent English.

“She took the items that were paid for,” he said. “We couldn’t stop her from getting those at that point because we didn’t know what the connection was.”

While escorting the woman out, a Walmart employee informed Clark about another woman outside the store holding a sign soliciting money.

Clark followed the first woman outside and identified her vehicle as a blue SUV, an Enterprise rental with Texas plates. He suspected the women were traveling from store to store to scam shoppers but could not confirm this after checking other locations.

Clark urges shoppers to immediately notify store managers or law enforcement if approached by someone soliciting money in stores like Walmart.

The Sheriff also warned about a separate scam involving someone posing as law enforcement.

A resident reported receiving a call this afternoon from someone claiming to check on a family member over a court summons, which Clark said was likely an attempt to gather personal information.

“Apparently, it’s not just what we are physically seeing with the shopping going on here—there are people taking advantage of the holiday season to gain access to your personal information,” Clark said.

“Be aware of everything going on right now and do all the simple things we always do,” he added. “Protect your social security number, banking information, and change passwords.”

Clark said that legitimate law enforcement officers will knock on your door and speak with you in person, rather than calling to request sensitive information.