Beware of Scams
|
Unfortunately, scams are more and more common, and scammers continue to find creative ways to trick people into giving them information. We want you to have information to help make sure you don't become a victim of common scams.
Scams vs. Fraud A scam is when someone is trying to trick you into giving them information or money but none is obtained; fraud occurs when they obtain your information or money through a scam scenario. Learn more about scams and where to go for help: |
Should I file a police report?
If you were scammed out of money, you will want to file a Crime Check report for fraud. Call us at (509) 456-2233. These type of reports can only be taken over the phone.
|
Common Scams
- Internal Revenue Service payment requests
- Social Security scams that pressure you to take action
- Law enforcement investigations over the phone
- Bill collection requests with threats or requests for payment with pre-paid cards
- Online purchases for goods from unknown sellers (vehicles, puppies, etc.)
- Lottery or prize winnings where money is required to claim the prize
- Grants or personal loans offered from unfamiliar banks or companies
- Requests to cash or deposit checks from unknown sources
- Offers for employment where the potential employee is required to buy something and / or is promised to be reimbursed.
Email Scams
Email scams are typically phishing scams that will use email to trick you into giving them your personal information and maliciously using your information to commit fraud.
Scammers can easily lift our logo from online and create emails that look like they are from legitimate company or organization, so be sure to take the following action:
If you get an email indicating your account was compromised and you need to log in or confirm a password, this may also be a phishing attempt to obtain your login information. You should avoid logging into accounts via links sent in emails like this. If you are concerned the account security threat is legitimate, log into the account through the website’s main login page and change your password from there.
Email scams are typically phishing scams that will use email to trick you into giving them your personal information and maliciously using your information to commit fraud.
Scammers can easily lift our logo from online and create emails that look like they are from legitimate company or organization, so be sure to take the following action:
- Do not open an unfamiliar email as it may include malicious links that go to a compromised website hosting malware.
- Be aware of the email address the email is coming from. Sometimes this can be an easy way to spot a scam.
- Do not respond to the request.
- Do not click on any links.
- Do not open any attachments.
- Do not provide any personal information.
If you get an email indicating your account was compromised and you need to log in or confirm a password, this may also be a phishing attempt to obtain your login information. You should avoid logging into accounts via links sent in emails like this. If you are concerned the account security threat is legitimate, log into the account through the website’s main login page and change your password from there.
Text Scams
Smishing, short for short message service (SMS) phishing, is a relatively new scam that attempts to trick mobile phone users into giving scammers personal information.
Smishing can be used for identity theft, via a text or SMS message. Scammers like smishing, as consumers tend to be more inclined to trust text messages.
Most organizations will only text you if you’ve signed up to receive communications this way. If you do not recognize the sender's phone number, take the following precautions:
Smishing, short for short message service (SMS) phishing, is a relatively new scam that attempts to trick mobile phone users into giving scammers personal information.
Smishing can be used for identity theft, via a text or SMS message. Scammers like smishing, as consumers tend to be more inclined to trust text messages.
Most organizations will only text you if you’ve signed up to receive communications this way. If you do not recognize the sender's phone number, take the following precautions:
- Do not open an unfamiliar text as it may include malicious links that go to a compromised website hosting malware.
- Block the number (see your phone provider for details on how to do this if you don’t know how)
- Do not respond to the request.
- Do not click on any links.
- Do not open any attachments.
- Do not provide any personal information.
Online Scams
Scammers try to gain access to your computer and online accounts by posing as tech security/IT professionals. These scams often begin with a popup ad indicating some subscription has been renewed or canceled, or that your computer security is compromised. If you follow the link or call the listed number, you are connected to a person who may claim to be from McAfee Security, Microsoft, Apple or another recognized security brand.
The scammer will then try to pressure you into allowing remote access to your computer, where they can access all your online information/accounts/login credentials.
Other online scams typically revolve around person-to-person sales. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are common venues used by scammers, or you may find yourself on a fraudulent website. If you plan on making purchases or sending money for person-to-person sales, take every step possible to ensure the sellers are legitimate.
Common scams online include:
Scammers try to gain access to your computer and online accounts by posing as tech security/IT professionals. These scams often begin with a popup ad indicating some subscription has been renewed or canceled, or that your computer security is compromised. If you follow the link or call the listed number, you are connected to a person who may claim to be from McAfee Security, Microsoft, Apple or another recognized security brand.
The scammer will then try to pressure you into allowing remote access to your computer, where they can access all your online information/accounts/login credentials.
Other online scams typically revolve around person-to-person sales. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are common venues used by scammers, or you may find yourself on a fraudulent website. If you plan on making purchases or sending money for person-to-person sales, take every step possible to ensure the sellers are legitimate.
Common scams online include:
- Rental scams: a home or apartment is listed for rent (usually at a price lower than common market value). The landlord is not available to meet in person and offers to send you keys to the home once you have paid a deposit and application fee. It is best not to commit to renting online unless you can meet the landlord in person at the home.
- Puppy scams: A website or online seller offering puppies for sale, usually a specific, sought-after breed. Their website may look legitimate. Once you pay the seller, they continue asking for money for vet fees, travel expenses and insurance, etc. If possible, sales like these should be completed in-person or from a reputable seller.
- Lover scams: An online relationship with someone who lives long-distance, usually claiming to be an American citizen overseas and/or in the military. Eventually, they ask for large amounts of money for various reasons so they can return to the US and pursue a real relationship with the victim.
- “Sextortion” scams: Nude or explicit photos are exchanged with someone online. The receiver then extorts the sender for money, threatening to send/post the nudes online to friends/family/employers. Remember, anytime you choose to send a nude or explicit photo online, you run the risk of it becoming public and/or being used against you.
- Contest scams: You may be told you won a contest with a large cash prize or that you qualify for a large grant or loan. In these scenarios, scammers will send you checks or money and ask you to send it back to pay processing fees. This is a common method of money laundering; you should never accept cash or checks from unknown or untrusted callers.
- Hacked profile scams: These are emails or social media messages from “friends” whose profiles have been compromised or hacked. You may receive messages that appear to be from trusted sources asking for money or gift cards. In these scenarios, if you have any doubts about the validity of the request, contact the sender by alternate means (a call or text is best as it is the most direct way to confirm whether the request is legitimate).
Phone Scams
Beware of callers who use high pressure tactics to get you to make an immediate payment. You may be directed to transfer funds electronically, sometimes through money wiring systems, apps like Zelle or CashApp, or pre-paid cards.
These pre-paid cards have unique serial numbers that the scammer uses to transfer and steal the funds. You may also be asked by a scammer to make a same-day payment at a retail location to avoid action.
Spoofing technology can show that the call is coming from any organization when the call is actually from a scammer, so be alert to aggressive tactics. If the call begins with an area code rather than 800, be suspicious, but scammers can also use phone numbers beginning with 800.
Common phone call scams include:
Beware of callers who use high pressure tactics to get you to make an immediate payment. You may be directed to transfer funds electronically, sometimes through money wiring systems, apps like Zelle or CashApp, or pre-paid cards.
These pre-paid cards have unique serial numbers that the scammer uses to transfer and steal the funds. You may also be asked by a scammer to make a same-day payment at a retail location to avoid action.
Spoofing technology can show that the call is coming from any organization when the call is actually from a scammer, so be alert to aggressive tactics. If the call begins with an area code rather than 800, be suspicious, but scammers can also use phone numbers beginning with 800.
Common phone call scams include:
- Caller claims to be the IRS/Border Patrol/FBI and you have been linked to crimes out of state.
- Caller claims they are your grandchild/family member and they need bail money immediately.
- Caller claims they are SPD/SCSO or another law enforcement agency and a warrant is out for your arrest over missed jury duty/unpaid fines etc.
- Caller claims they are from a company following up about suspicious activity on an account (this could be your bank, Amazon, iTunes, PayPal, or other account).
Door-to-Door Scams
Door-to-door scams are less common than they used to be, but they still happen. The scammer will knock on your door and offer to sell you a product or service but they are actually looking to take your money and/or personal information.
Be alert to anyone who shows up at your home and uses high pressure tactics to demand immediate payment to avoid action. Scammers can try to appear legitimate by carrying a tools, a walkie-talkie, or wearing official gear. If you suspect anything, ask to see their company ID. You can also contact that company directly to confirm.
If anyone visits your home or property without proper identification, you can ask that person to leave. Call 911 immediately if you are in danger.
Door-to-door scams are less common than they used to be, but they still happen. The scammer will knock on your door and offer to sell you a product or service but they are actually looking to take your money and/or personal information.
Be alert to anyone who shows up at your home and uses high pressure tactics to demand immediate payment to avoid action. Scammers can try to appear legitimate by carrying a tools, a walkie-talkie, or wearing official gear. If you suspect anything, ask to see their company ID. You can also contact that company directly to confirm.
If anyone visits your home or property without proper identification, you can ask that person to leave. Call 911 immediately if you are in danger.
How do I know it's a scammer contacting me?
Scammers typically use high pressure tactics to try to get you to take action in a short-time period.
Scammers can easily create or duplicate call greetings, so if you return a call, it can sound just like a company (Amazon, PayPal etc.) or even your bank or credit union. They can also use caller ID spoofing to replicate numbers from any agency. So how can you tell if it’s a scam?
If you are instructed to purchase any pre-paid debit or credit card or a gift card – widely available at retail stores – then call back to supposedly make a payment, do not proceed with the call. Legitimate agencies or companies will never ask for payment with pre-paid cards or gift cards.
If the scammer becomes angry or makes threats of arrest or account suspension if payment isn’t made in an immediate timeframe, this is a sure sign it’s a scam.
Scammers typically use high pressure tactics to try to get you to take action in a short-time period.
Scammers can easily create or duplicate call greetings, so if you return a call, it can sound just like a company (Amazon, PayPal etc.) or even your bank or credit union. They can also use caller ID spoofing to replicate numbers from any agency. So how can you tell if it’s a scam?
If you are instructed to purchase any pre-paid debit or credit card or a gift card – widely available at retail stores – then call back to supposedly make a payment, do not proceed with the call. Legitimate agencies or companies will never ask for payment with pre-paid cards or gift cards.
If the scammer becomes angry or makes threats of arrest or account suspension if payment isn’t made in an immediate timeframe, this is a sure sign it’s a scam.
Should I report the scam?
If it is a known scam, and you do not provide the scammer with any information, you don’t need to file a report. Remember, if you are unsure, always call Crime Check. We will document the scam. You can also file a report with the US Government.
Anytime you have provided personal information, bank information, or money to someone, this becomes fraud, and you will want to file a full report with Crime Check. This type of report can only be made over the phone with a Report Technician by calling (509) 456-2233.
If it is a known scam, and you do not provide the scammer with any information, you don’t need to file a report. Remember, if you are unsure, always call Crime Check. We will document the scam. You can also file a report with the US Government.
Anytime you have provided personal information, bank information, or money to someone, this becomes fraud, and you will want to file a full report with Crime Check. This type of report can only be made over the phone with a Report Technician by calling (509) 456-2233.
Should I file a police report for a scam?
For scams where no information was given, you don’t need to file a report. If you do want to call Crime Check, we will document the scam within our system. You can also file a report with the US Government. Any time information is obtained by the scammer, you will want to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233 and make a full report.
For scams where no information was given, you don’t need to file a report. If you do want to call Crime Check, we will document the scam within our system. You can also file a report with the US Government. Any time information is obtained by the scammer, you will want to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233 and make a full report.
If you've been the victim of fraud or a scam, the following links and information may be helpful in helping you:
Monitoring/Freezing Credit
Keeping an eye on your credit file after fraud is important.
Checking Account Monitoring/Freezing
For checking accounting monitoring/freezing (for when checking accts are opened in your name):
Consumer Protection Financial Bureau
Financial security and consumer awareness information Consumer Reporting Agencies
List of consumer reporting agencies
Federal Trade Commission
Identify theft reporting and tips on what to look out for if you suspect your identity was stolen. Can help you recover from identity theft.This site provides detailed advice to help you fix problems caused by identity theft, along with the ability to:
Go to IdentityTheft.gov and click “Get Started.”
Social Security Administration
Learn about current scams happening and how to report a scam related to Social Security.
US Department of Justice
Identity Theft Helpline: 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338) TTY: 1-866-653-4261
Guide to Government Information & Services
Report scams to the US Government. Helpful for disaster and emergency scams. You can also get information on known scams here.
Monitoring/Freezing Credit
Keeping an eye on your credit file after fraud is important.
Checking Account Monitoring/Freezing
For checking accounting monitoring/freezing (for when checking accts are opened in your name):
Consumer Protection Financial Bureau
Financial security and consumer awareness information Consumer Reporting Agencies
List of consumer reporting agencies
Federal Trade Commission
Identify theft reporting and tips on what to look out for if you suspect your identity was stolen. Can help you recover from identity theft.This site provides detailed advice to help you fix problems caused by identity theft, along with the ability to:
- get a personal recovery plan that walks you through each step
- update your plan and track your progress
- print pre-filled letters & forms to send to credit bureaus, businesses, and debt collectors
Go to IdentityTheft.gov and click “Get Started.”
Social Security Administration
Learn about current scams happening and how to report a scam related to Social Security.
US Department of Justice
Identity Theft Helpline: 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338) TTY: 1-866-653-4261
Guide to Government Information & Services
Report scams to the US Government. Helpful for disaster and emergency scams. You can also get information on known scams here.