January 2021: Scam, Cons, and Frauds (Oh my!)
WELCOME 2021
Here is to a fresh start for everyone! May the New Year bring better things and new beginnings. Remember, we all face challenges in life and need to have patience and understanding for each other.
Here are a few types of Scam, Cons, and Frauds
Identity Theft occurs when someone steals your personal information to commit fraud. No matter how much goes missing, you should take action.
IRS Imposter Scams - IRS imposter scams occur when someone contacts you pretending to work for the IRS. The imposter may contact you by phone, email, postal mail, or even a text message. There are two common types of scams:
Tax collection - You receive a phone call or letter claiming that you owe taxes. They will demand that you pay the amount immediately, usually with a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. They may even threaten to arrest you if you don’t pay.
Verification - You receive an email or text message that requires you to verify your personal information. The message often includes a hyperlink phrase which reads “click here.” Or, you may see a button that links you to a fraudulent form or website.
For more information, go to www.usa.gov/irs-scams.
Telephone Scams - Telephone scammers try to steal your money or personal information. Scams may come through phone calls from real people, robocalls, or text messages. Callers often make false promises, such as opportunities to buy products, invest your money, or receive free product trials. They may also offer you money through free grants and lotteries. Some scammers may call with threats of jail or lawsuits if you don’t pay them.
Banking Scams - Banking scams involve attempts to access your bank account. Use this information to recognize, report, and protect yourself from them.
Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams - Prize scammers try to get your money or personal information through fake lotteries, sweepstakes, or other contests. Many claim that you’ve won a prize but must pay a fee to collect it. Others require you to provide personal information to enter a “contest.” These scams may reach you by postal mail, email, phone call, robocall, or text message.
Grandparent Scam - In grandparent scams, scammers pose as panicked grandchildren in trouble, calling or sending messages urging you to wire money immediately. They’ll say they need cash to help with an emergency – like paying a hospital bill or needing to leave a foreign country. They pull at your heartstrings so they can trick you into sending money before you realize it’s a scam.
For more information, go to www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/grandparent-scams-age-coronavirus. If at any time you become a victim of any type of fraud, please report it to your local police department.
Do you want to know what is going on in Winter Springs?
E-Alerts are a great way to receive information from the police department about what is going on throughout the city. These alerts include real time information regarding major traffic issues such as traffic crashes and police activity in our communities.
