SCAM ALERT

Countless times a week our department receives complaints of telemarketing or robo calls to their home or cellphone.  There is little we can do about these calls unless a crime has been committed.  My advice has always been, if you don't know who it is, don't answer.  If it's an emergency, they'll leave a message... 

Scammers today are using technology in their favor.  From spoofing their caller ID to make it look like they are calling from a number in our community, to stating they are with the government and have a warrant for your arrest if you don't pay a fee over the phone. The list goes on and on. 

Did you know that with current technology, some scammers will call and hang up on purpose, knowing that most people will call back and when they do, they are now added to a list of valid phone numbers, shared with other scamming systems?  

Here are some reminders;

• Never give out personal information over the phone – social security number, birthdate, etc. Maybe the caller claims to be with the IRS, your credit card company, etc... 

• Never give out bank account information over the phone. Many scammers will push for bank account info will either steer you away from or refuse credit card payment. We've seen where suspects are asking for Target or Walmart gift card numbers for payment!  Really....
  
• If you are pushed to make a decision quickly, wait. This is true for scams of all kinds. Usually, any kind of scammer will push you to make a quick decision right then and there.  If you are being pushed to make a decision right now, take a step away and think about it. If they aren’t willing to let you take a day and think it over, it’s a huge red flag.
  

Last but not least, remember that Microsoft, the IRS, law enforcement, or any other legitimate company or organization will NEVER call you demanding payment over the phone.   If you feel that you have been scammed, contact law enforcement immediately and file a report.