TIP OF THE DAY
Although the City of Lincoln does NOT have a “no-soliciting” law, there IS an ordinance that REQUIRES solicitors to obtain a business license AND present it (their license) on request. For more information read the flyer “Business License Information from LPD”at SCLHwatch.org/ alerts-security/
SCAM ATTEMPTS
Every day our community and others throughout America receive various SCAM attempts. They come to us via phone calls, emails, texts, and letters. Here are a few of the latest SCAMS reported by our residents.
- PAYPAL: This resident received a very legitimate looking email allegedly from The email stated that this resident had been billed for a large order of olive oil. If there was any question, the resident was to click on a given email address to speak to a representative. This very sharp resident did not click on that link but instead called the olive oil company directly. She was advised that this was apparently a SCAM. She then called PayPal and they confirmed that this is a SCAM.
If this resident had clicked on the given link, the scammer would have tried to obtain personal information from the resident – allegedly to verify her identity. When in doubt about a company email address, call the company directly and do not click on a given email link.
- AMAZON: In this case the resident received an email allegedly from AMAZON stating that his account had been charged $400.00 and if there was any question, he was to call a given phone number. This resident called the given number and he gave the alleged Amazon representative his credit card number to verify that this charge was a mistake. This resident later realized that he had been SCAMMED. He called his credit card company and his bank and fortunately he did not lose any money.
- WELLS FARGO BANK: Another resident received a phone call claiming to be from our local Wells Fargo Bank. The caller said there was suspicious activity with fraudulent charges on the Visa by an employee at the bank, starting the day before. The scammer had correct name and address but wanted birth date and social security number. The scammer said they would open a special account for him until all this was resolved. They were very convincing, but this very alert resident is familiar with the scams we report and hung up.
HELPFUL TIPS TO KEEP YOU FROM BEING SCAMMED
- PHONE CALLS: Do not answer the phone when you do not recognize the caller. If the call is important the caller will leave a message. After you hear the message, you can decide whether to return the call. When in doubt, contact a relative, friend or neighbor and discuss the situation.
- EMAILS: Never click on links in any unsolicited emails. If possible, call directly to any company or organization when in doubt.
- LETTERS: These scammers are very clever, and they can create very official looking letterheads for banks, credit card companies, organizations etc. When in doubt, call directly to the company or organization for verification.