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RECENT SCAM
An email was received by one of our residents which stated the resident owed the GEEK SQUAD a large amount of money for computer services. There was a phone number listed and directions to call if there were any questions. The resident called the number and explained that there must be some mistake. The scammer was very smooth and talked the resident into providing his address and name of his bank so that the scammer could “refund the amount to the resident’s account.” With just that information, the scammer was able to steal from the resident’s account. A police report was made. This resident did not remember that we have reported on this scam previously. He indicated that he is one of these people that believes it’s never going to happen to him. His advice is to question everything that comes in the email. Call the vendor directly.
To stop such calls, only answer if you know the caller. Important callers will leave a message.
If you do answer, never share personal details with unknown callers. This also applies to emails and texts.
RED FLAGS FOR PHONE AND EMAIL SCAMS
- requests for personal information
- urgent or threatening language
- spelling errors and improper grammar
- link to site unrelated to organization that contacted you
- missing contact information in an email
- request for payment via GIFT CARDS
STRATEGIES
- DO NOT BE POLITE. BE SMART.
- DO NOT be pressured by urgent requests.
- CHECK CALLER ID: do NOT answer if you don’t recognize caller; legitimate callers will leave a message.
- If you ANSWER BY MISTAKE: Don’t be polite, hang up.
- EMAIL: Do not click on links from financial institutions. Call or go directly to the website and check there.
- The SHERIFF is not going to call you. SSA is not going to call you. Government agencies work by mail.
- GIFT CARDS: As soon as you hear these words, HANG UP.
- DO NOT ALLOW ACCESS TO YOUR COMPUTER: Never do this. HANG UP.