A local business narrowly avoided losing money after an employee was targeted in a phone scam by someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the caller said he was a lieutenant with a local police department and told the employee the business was under investigation for counterfeit bills. The scammer instructed the employee to collect all of the cash from the register and take it to a store in Smithville, where he said it would be turned over as evidence.

Investigators said it is not yet clear whether the suspect intended to meet the employee in person or direct her to deposit the money into a cryptocurrency ATM.

The caller also asked the employee for her name and date of birth. After she provided the information, he repeated back details including her parents’ names and home address, making the call appear legitimate.

Authorities warned that scammers can obtain personal information from public records, data breaches and other sources, then use those details to gain a victim’s trust. They emphasized that a caller knowing personal information does not mean the person is actually a police officer.

The employee had already taken the cash and was driving to the location provided by the scammer when the business owner learned what was happening. The owner contacted the employee, told her it was a scam and instructed her to return to the business. The quick action prevented any financial loss.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging small businesses to remain alert and remind employees that if law enforcement needs to speak with them, officers will make contact in person.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office is warning residents that property deed scams are increasing and can be used to target a homeowner’s equity by filing fraudulent paperwork. In response, the Clay County Recorder of Deeds is encouraging property owners to enroll in Deed Watch, a free fraud alert service that monitors activity recorded under selected names.

To sign up, residents can register with a valid email address at deedwatch.com, select Clay County and enter the verification code sent to their email. Users can then add variations of their own name, a spouse’s name or any other name they want to monitor for recorded documents.

When a document is recorded under one of those selected names, the service sends an instant email alert so the property owner can quickly verify whether the transaction is legitimate. Officials emphasized that Deed Watch is only an alert and monitoring service and does not stop documents from being recorded, confirm whether a filing is legal or replace advice from an attorney.

Officials said the signup process takes about five minutes. Property owners with questions can contact the Clay County Recorder of Deeds at 816-407-3550.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.