Scammers are using an old ruse to swindle money from unsuspecting grandparents. If you receive phone call demanding money for your grandson or other love one from a Police Officer, it’s a scam! Officers don’t make requests for bail money. A legitimately arrested person would be the one calling, not an Officer or Bailiff. The most recent report that a scammer was using phone number 604-865-1301.
The scams seem to be ramping up and with the tax deadline looming; the IRS scams will be more prevalent as well. The biggest take away for all of these scams: Don’t give out any personal information to people you are not familiar with. “We want to protect our citizens by encouraging them to not give out their sensitive information,” said Chief Weeks.
TIPS TO PREVENT BEING SCAMMED:
-Don’t give personal information out unless you know the person requesting is genuine
-Verify any calls received by advising the representative you will call them back at the number you have on file.
-Legitimate companies and government agencies would never ask you to purchase a prepaid debit/gift card. Also be suspicious of requests to use money sending services.
-Checks from unknown parties should be cashed or deposited with caution. Many scammers will send a fraudulent check in attempts to get money from their victims.
-Check your credit report annually to ensure no unauthorized credit accounts or inquiries are present by going to: www.annualcreditreport.com
If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a phone call or letter you received, don’t give them your personal or financial information. Please call the DeFuniak Springs Police at 892-8513 or your local law enforcement agency for help.