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1…….A resident lost $16,000 to a telephone “Scammer”. The “Scammer” convinced the resident that he (the caller) was the Grandson and he had been arrested and needed money to get out of jail. The method of payment is unknown at this time !!
This type of “Scam” occurs very frequently so we all must be Aware and Alert. People with poor hearing or declining mental functions due illness or medication are most vulnerable.
Scammers, pretending to be a relative in trouble, are very convincing !!! Anytime you receive a phone call where the caller is requesting money be wary !!!
Always ask the caller questions that only a family member could answer !! When in doubt get a phone number and hang up. Contact a relative, friend, neighbor or call me for advice !!
You can cut down on robocalls by registering at nomorobo.com It won’t stop all calls but you will notice the difference. Free for landlines; approximately $2 per month for cell phones. Your phone will ring once and then be diverted.
On October 8 the Lincoln Police Dept also posted this warning on their Facebook page. The photo shows all the cards the victim purchased. The Home Depot clerk did question the purchase but the “Scammer” coached the victim to lie & tell the clerk that it was for a large home improvement project.
CURRENT PHONE SCAM ALERT: Yes, another one. This has happened to two of our local residents in the last few days costing the victims a total of $36,000.
In this scam, the caller will identify himself as “Officer (insert a last name)” and will tell you that your grandson/granddaughter/nephew/niece or other relative has been arrested or has warrants. The big red flag: The caller will ask you to purchase iTunes/Home Depot or other type gift cards in the amount of $5,000 (or more) and have you call them back immediately with the gift card numbers. The caller will also “coach” you to make up a story to the store clerk in case you are questioned about the large purchase while checking out.
A law enforcement agency will never contact you and ask for a payment for ANYTHING with gift cards! Again, our Department will NEVER call you asking for payment of any kind by phone with gift cards or credit cards.
2…… For the third time in the last few months some person(s) unknown have targeted Winding Way. This time a resident in the 2200 block found a “Purple Substance” splattered on the front door, walls and awning. This apparently occurred sometime on Friday 10/05/18. Fortunately this unknown substance was easily cleaned off.
ALWAYS BE AWARE AND ALERT AND REPORT “IMMEDIATELY” ANY SUSPICIOUS PERSON(S) OR VEHICLES TO THE POLICE !!!! (Emergency call 911; Non-Emergency call 916-645-4040). When reporting a suspicious vehicle try to obtain the license plate number and give it to the Police Dispatcher.
Barry Johnson
Neighborhood Watch Public Safety Liaison
916-434-6538