Write a comment

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The posting below was written by the Salem Police Department pertaining to a scam.

SalemLeader.com writer Jerry Curry talked to the owner of Salem Wrecker Service, Shawn Ratts, who said the point of the scam was to sell cars/trucks and services. The scammer asks for a payment to hold the vehicle. He said people are calling him to make payment on the vehicle.

Ratts contacted officer Eric Mills, and as of Wednesday night the site could not be found, but one of the Salem Police officers eventually did locate it.

Be aware of this scam. Salem Wrecker’s real phone number is 812-883-9866. They do not sell cars.

Post From Salem Police Department:

Warning: Fraudulent Salem Wrecker Account

Attention, community members! We have received a report of a fraudulent Facebook account impersonating Salem Wrecker Service. This fake account is attempting to scam individuals by offering fake services or requesting payment information.

Here’s what you need to know:
Report Suspicious Accounts: If you encounter an account claiming to be a tow service but seems suspicious, please report it directly to Facebook and inform us immediately.

Avoid Sharing Personal Info: Do not provide any personal or payment information to unknown or unverified accounts. Legitimate tow services will never request such details through social media.

Contact Verified Services: Use official phone numbers or websites to contact your tow service. If you need help verifying a service, reach out to us or check with trusted local directories.

Your safety is our priority. If you have any concerns or encounter suspicious activity, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

Stay alert and protect yourself from online fraud!

Attached photo is a screenshot of the fake account reported.

Verified Salem Wrecker Service Page:   https://www.facebook.com/salemwreckerservice

Salem Police Department
📞 812-883-5100

Write a comment

At approximately 12:30 p.m. on September 11, a call was issued regarding an overturned grain truck on E. Miller Saw Mill Rd. Driving the tractor and trailer was Kenny Simpson who received head injuries. He was driven to St Vincent’s helipad by Salem Ambulance Service for a helicopter stat flight to UofL Hospital in Louisville.

As the truck went off the road rolling onto the passenger side, the trailer broadcast a large amount of soybean as it turned over in a yard near 1000 block of E. Miller Saw Mill Rd.

The trailer knocked down a utility pole at ground level. Jackson County Rural Electric was called to detach the electric wires and communication cables from the pole that laid over the truck.

Responding from the Washington Co. Sheriffs Dept. was Sergeant Matt Hein and Officer Mark Blackman. From the Salem Fire Dept. was Capt. Max Gamble, Lt. Travis Branaman and Dylan Williams. On the scene also was John Shawler of the Pierce Polk Fire Dept.

• Elections

Write a comment

Washington County Clerk Stephanie K. Rockey, along with the Washington County Election Board gives notice that the 2024 Presidential General Election Public Test will be held on September 19th at 10 a.m. in the Election & Voters Services Office, 801 S. Jackson Street, Suite 102 in Salem.

The Public Test is to test and certify the voting system that will be used to conduct the 2024 Presidential General Election (IC 3-11-13-22; IC3-11-14.5-1.) All media and public are invited to attend.