SCAMS - Press Release

Recently we have had several attempted scams reported to the police department.  During this holiday season, scammers may try to prey on the emotions of those willing to believe the best of everyone.  As a result, please keep the following in mind:

Never, under any circumstance, provide personal information to anyone via the phone or internet.  This includes, but is not limited to, date of birth, social security number, bank name and/or account number, routing number information, credit card number – not even your phone number.

Recent Scams Attempted in Our Area

• Emails stating you have won the lottery from another country; commonly from various African countries, Costa Rica, Canada or the U.K.
• Anyone asking you to send money via Western Union to someone you do not personally know.  Legitimate businesses do not solicit people to pay Western Union.
• Phone calls stating that a loved one, usually a grandson/granddaughter, is either stranded or in jail.  Often this scammer pretends to be the actual distant relative.  Always confirm with other family members, get a call back number and ask detailed questions only the relative would know.
• Someone calling claiming they are a custom’s agent and that they have a package from a foreign country that needs to have fees paid in order to be released to you.
• That you are the winner of Publishers Clearing House.  All PCH winners are notified in person, never over the phone.
• CraigsList posting asking you to wire money via Western Union and then they will send the item purchased.
• A check received via regular mail that asks you to deposit to your bank and then send them a portion of the money.  Note:  Most banks will identify that it is not a legitimate check prior to posting.

Please go to http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx, the Internet Crime Complaint Center, to report any type of internet crime.  The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) was established as a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C).  Internet crime is defined as any illegal activity involving one or more components of the Internet, such as websites, chat rooms, and/or email. Internet crime involves the use of the Internet to communicate false or fraudulent representations to consumers.  These crimes may include, but are not limited to, advance-fee schemes, non-delivery of goods or services, computer hacking, or employment/business opportunity schemes.