Alert 09-02-2023

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Tip of the Day: You think it’s never going to happen to you – until it does.

Phone and Email Scams

RED FLAGS

  • Requests for personal information.
  • Urgent or threatening language.
  • Spelling errors and improper grammar.
  • Link to a site that seems unrelated to the organization that contacted you.
  • Missing contact information in an email.
  • Payment via gift card.

HOW TO AVOID THEM

  • If you don’t recognize the caller ID, let it go to voicemail.
  • Pause and think about whether what you are being told is plausible.
  •  Share your vacation photos after you return.
  • If you delete an account online, be sure to delete the app.
  • Use payment methods that offer legal protections.

For more information visit

Attempted Scam: One of our residents received a text message, allegedly from the Post Office, stating that they were holding a package for this resident and that the package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. The resident was in fact expecting a package but she had previously been contacted by the sender confirming her correct address. The resident did not respond to the scam/text. She went directly to the Post Office and showed the text to the clerk. The postal clerk advised her that this was a scam and that another person had also received the same message.

It is unknown how the Scammer knew the resident was expecting a package or how he/she obtained the resident’s phone number.

It is believed that the objective of this type of Scam is to have the recipient contact the alleged postal worker who will ask for verification of the resident’s identity. The resident may be asked for their complete name, address, date of birth etc. The Scammer may even ask for payment for delivery. This could lead to the resident giving out credit card information.

Beware of unsolicited texts, emails or phone calls. NEVER call back using the phone number given in the unsolicited communication. If it is a business, don’t trust the unsolicited communication – look up the phone number yourself! (learn more here). If it involves a credit card, call the number on the back of your credit card. If you receive a text allegedly from a friend, or relative and you don’t recognize the number, call them directly.

Credit Card theft: It was reported that a Sun City resident was in line at the local Safeway when someone stole her credit card from her large, unzipped handbag. The thief was somehow able to immediately remove money from this resident’s bank account. There is no further information at this time.

While shopping always keep your purse closed and close to your body. If you do place your purse in the shopping cart, secure it by attaching the baby seat straps from the shopping cart through the handles of your purse and snap the clasp together. This will help to prevent someone from grabbing your purse and running off with it when you are not looking.

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