Scams

Residents are cautioned to be aware of scams. There are always scams going around via Internet, Facebook, email, telephone and to your door. Residents must be cautious, and should follow some basic rules to help protect themselves from falling victim. Here are some warning signs of telemarketing fraud-what a caller may tell you:
  • "You must act ‘now' or the offer won't be good."
  • "You've won a ‘free' gift, vacation, or prize." But you have to pay for "postage and handling" or other charges.
  • "You must send money, give a credit card or bank account number, or have a check picked up by courier." You may hear this before you have had a chance to consider the offer carefully.
  • "You don't need to check out the company with anyone." The callers say you do not need to speak to anyone including your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better Business Bureau, or consumer protection agency.
  • "You don't need any written information about their company or their references."
  • "You can't afford to miss this ‘high-profit, no-risk' offer."
If you hear these or similar "lines" from a telephone salesperson, just say "no thank you" and hang up the telephone.

Common Scams

Publishers Clearing Scam

Some common scams that are going around the area now are the Publishers Clearing Scam, where you are told you have won money and need to send money in order to collect, watch the How to Stay Safe From PCH Scams YouTube video from PCH.

Grandparent Scam

Another is the Grandparent Scam, where you get a phone call or an email from someone who identifies himself as your grandson. "I've been arrested in another country," he says, "and need money wired quickly to pay my bail. And oh by the way, don't tell my mom or dad because they'll only get upset!" Find more information from the FBI on this scam.

Avoid Being Victimized

Advice to avoid being victimized in the first place:
  • Resist the pressure to act quickly.
  • Try to contact your grandchild or another family member to determine whether or not the call is legitimate.
  • Never wire money based on a request made over the phone or in an email...especially overseas. Wiring money is like giving cash-once you send it, you can't get it back.
If you believe you have been victimized and/or fallen prey to a scam contact the Police Department immediately at 978-692-2161.