06/02/2026
PLEASE SHARE WITH OTHERS!!
Important Notice for Local Businesses and Employees
Today, The Upper Room Cafe in Osgood received a concerning phone call from an individual claiming to be with the “Ripley County Fraud Department.”
The caller stated that counterfeit money was being passed throughout the area and began asking questions about the business’s cash on hand, specifically $100 $50 and $20s. The caller also asked whether employees had a counterfeit detection pen and encouraged them to check certain bills. He went on further to mention the owners by name and that he had been talking with them.
Fortunately, the employee became suspicious and asked the caller to identify themselves again. At that point, the caller immediately hung up.
We contacted the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department to verify the call and were informed that there is no “Ripley County Fraud Department.”
While we do not know the caller’s intentions, this type of call raises concerns for the safety and security of both employees and local businesses. Calls requesting information about cash, financial procedures, or money on hand should always be treated with caution.
We are sharing this experience not to create alarm, but to help protect others in our community. Please take a moment to remind your employees never to provide information about cash drawers, deposits, safes, business operations, schedules, or other sensitive information to unknown callers.
If your business receives a similar call, consider ending the conversation and contacting local law enforcement directly using a verified phone number.
Please share this information with your staff and fellow business owners. Looking out for one another is one of the things that makes our community strong.
Stay alert, stay safe, and thank you for helping protect our local businesses and employees
