Watch Out! Scams

SCAM TRENDS: Scams, from texts to calls, are ever evolving. 
What are the most common schemes right now? 

  1. Scams demanding an “urgent” payment made with gift cards: Calls requesting Apple App Store cards, Google Play cards, and Green Dot cards are always a scam. Many victims report they were asked to pay off a fake warrant, cover a phony bond amount for a far-away relative in dire need, or complete the transaction as part of a bogus job application. 

  2. Deceptive job application forms that collect personal information for identity theft: Frequently, victims scrolling social media will find a convenient application on their news feeds. Only after they have entered their social security number and banking information, do they realize the position was a sham. 

  3. “Surprise” checks that promise an unexpected windfall, if cashed: Those who have fallen prey to cashing a “contest prize” have received a letter that promised them a percentage of the check, if they promised to send a portion back to the alleged company or business. 

  4. Selling goods on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace? Also, beware of potential buyers who offer to pay with a check that is twice the selling price of the item. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

     

    TIPS TO STAY SAFE!

  • If ever you get a suspicious call or text, NEVER:  - Provide or confirm your personal information.  - Engage the caller in a discussion.  - Give your credit card number or financial information. 

  • It is always okay to hang up. If you can, try to obtain the name of the person who is calling you. If they refuse, it is likely a scam.

  • If you receive a suspicious email or text, do not click on any attached links. Visit the website or the location of the business in person to see if it is a legitimate organization. The less information you are able to find, the more probable it is a scam. 

  • You can always call the official organization’s 1-800 number to verify the phone call, text, or email you received. 

  • Local, federal, and state agencies will !!!NEVER!!!� ask you to pay over the phone. Any claims of your pending arrest or license revocation if you fail to make an immediate payment are patently false.