There is a good chance that over the past few weeks, you’ve received a scam phone call. Here’s a list of the types of scams that have recently been reported:
Publisher’s Clearing House
They never call winners and you certainly can’t win if you don’t enter.
IRS
They don’t call either. If you think you owe taxes, contact IRS independently through a number you have verified.
Costco Travel Voucher
It’s not Costco calling. They don’t offer free travel vouchers.
Vague Government Agency
With “serious matters pressed against you” and threatening arrest by “local police’. No government or law enforcement agency will call you in this manner.
Grandparent Scam
“Hi Grandma, I’ve been arrested”. Call a friend or family member to check this out. Better yet, just hang up!
In all these cases, there has been a threat, a need to act urgently or a promise of wealth. Resist the urge to act immediately and independently verify if you have concerns. Better yet, just hang up! Everyone who called the Crime Prevention Unit over the past few weeks to report these phone calls had enough awareness to not lose money. These considerate members of the community and EPD want to make you aware of the types of scam phone calls you might receive so that you can also avoid fraud and not become a victim.
There are several ways to stay on top of the latest scams. Here are just a few that you might want to bookmark:
Federal Trade Commission Fraud Alerts
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts
Oregon Department of Justice Scam Alert Network
https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/scam-alert-network/
AARP Fraud Watch Network
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/fraud-watch-network/