A Montrose forum featuring local police highlighted growing scam and fraud risks, from ransomware to romance scams. Officials shared real cases and simple steps residents can take to protect themselves and support vulnerable community members.
A recent community forum in Montrose offered residents a closer look at how modern scams are evolving and what local law enforcement is seeing on the ground. The event featured a presentation from Montrose Police Department detective Andrew Bradnock, who shared both professional insights and real-world cases to help residents better protect themselves and their neighbors.
The conversation focused on fraud, cybercrime, and the growing importance of community awareness in preventing victimization.
A Global Career, Local Perspective
Bradnock, who has more than 17 years of law enforcement experience across both the United Kingdom and the United States, brought an international perspective to local crime trends. His background includes counterterrorism work, SWAT operations, and high-level protection assignments before joining the Montrose Police Department.
Despite that global experience, his message to Montrose residents was grounded in a simple reality: even in a relatively safe community, crime still exists and often targets vulnerable individuals.
He emphasized that policing is not a standalone effort, noting that community members play a critical role in identifying and preventing crime.
“See Something, Say Something”
A consistent theme throughout the forum was the importance of awareness and communication. Bradnock repeatedly encouraged residents to trust their instincts and report suspicious activity.
He explained that many scams rely on creating urgency or confusion, pushing victims to act quickly without thinking. Slowing down, asking questions, and verifying information can often prevent a loss before it happens.
This approach applies across a wide range of situations, from suspicious phone calls to unusual online activity.
Fraud Is Increasingly Digital and Sophisticated
One of the key takeaways from the forum was how much fraud has shifted into digital spaces. Bradnock described how cybercriminals can operate from anywhere in the world, often targeting individuals through email, text messages, or fake websites.
In one example, he shared how unauthorized charges appeared on his own account, reinforcing that anyone can become a victim.
He warned that some scams are designed to go unnoticed, with small recurring charges that add up over time. Regularly reviewing bank statements and monitoring financial activity is one of the simplest ways to catch fraud early.
Ransomware and Online Threats
Ransomware attacks were another major focus of the discussion. These attacks typically begin when a user clicks a malicious link or downloads an infected file, allowing criminals to lock access to a device and demand payment.
Bradnock advised residents not to pay these demands, explaining that doing so often leads to further exploitation rather than resolution.
Instead, he encouraged preventative steps like keeping antivirus software updated, avoiding suspicious links, and using caution when browsing unfamiliar websites.
Elder Fraud and Romance Scams in the Community
The forum also highlighted the disproportionate impact scams have on older residents. Bradnock shared local cases involving romance scams, where individuals were manipulated over months or years into sending large sums of money to someone they believed they had a relationship with.
In some cases, victims lost tens of thousands of dollars and remained emotionally attached even after the scam was uncovered.
He noted that these scams often target people experiencing isolation, making community connection and family involvement an important part of prevention.
Impersonation and Emergency Scams
Another trend seen in Montrose involves impersonation scams, including callers posing as government officials or claiming a family member is in danger. In some cases, victims were instructed to withdraw cash and deliver it in person.
These scams rely heavily on fear and urgency. Bradnock stressed that legitimate agencies will not demand immediate payment or request sensitive information over the phone.
Simple Steps to Stay Safe
Throughout the presentation, several practical steps were emphasized:
Perhaps most importantly, residents were encouraged to look out for one another, especially older neighbors or family members who may be more vulnerable.
A Community Approach to Safety
The forum reinforced a broader message about public safety in Montrose: preventing crime is a shared responsibility. While law enforcement continues to adapt to new threats, community awareness remains one of the most effective tools.
Bradnock emphasized that reporting incidents to the Montrose Police Department helps build a clearer picture of what is happening locally, even when cases may ultimately involve regional or federal agencies.
As scams become more sophisticated, that partnership between residents and law enforcement is becoming increasingly important.
To watch full meeting:
