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Learn How to Spot Common Scams

Posted on: June 27, 2022 - 3:02pm
scam alert
Scammers use a variety of tactics to try to convince you to send them money or give them personal information. The Croton Police Department would like to inform the public about common scams that target our community members and provide tips to help you protect yourself. If you have any questions regarding potential scams, please contact the Croton Police Department for assistance.  
 
Below is a list of common scams and how you can avoid them:
 
Medicare Scam Call
 
Medicare scam calls occur when criminals call you pretending to be from Medicare or a legitimate healthcare insurance provider. They’ll often use phone spoofing technology to manipulate your Caller ID into displaying that they’re calling from Medicare or a local phone number. Always remember: Medicare will never call you directly unless you have called them with a request. If you get an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Medicare, it’s a scam.
 

Gift Card Scam

Scammers often use gift cards as a way to defraud people because their misuse is hard to trace. In this scam, the suspects pose as representatives of a business or an acquaintance and will ask you pay for a product, service, or bill by purchasing gift cards. Once you purchase the gift cards, the scammers will tell you to provide them with the code numbers and PINs that are usually located on the back of cards so that the scammer can redeem them. Remember, no business or government agency will ask you to make payments with gift cards, so if you are contacted in this manner, it is most likely a scam.

Zelle Scam

The payment service Zelle is becoming a popular way to send money online. However, its instant and irreversible transactions have made it a popular tool for scam artists. In this scam, the suspects pose as representatives of a business or organization and ask the victim to pay for a product, service, or bill by sending money via Zelle. Once the money is sent and the victim realizes it is a scam, the money will most likely not be reimbursed by the bank because the money was sent voluntarily. Use Zelle only for transfers to people or businesses you know and trust.

IRS Imposter Scam

IRS imposter scams occur when someone contacts you pretending to work for the IRS. The imposter may contact you by phone, email, postal mail, or even a text message. IRS scammers trick their victims into giving them access to bank account information, Social Security numbers, or credit and debit card details. Remember, the IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. If someone calls you and says they are from the IRS, hang up and call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040. The IRS will never demand an immediate payment or request that people use a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer.

Utility Company Scam

Energy bill scammers often pretend to be representatives of public utilities so they can steal your money or identity. These scams can take many forms. One of the most rampant methods is the "Utility Cutoff Phone Scam.” This scam entails someone posing as a representative from a utility company calling to tell you that your utility or water will be turned off unless you pay immediately. Legitimate utility company representatives will NEVER ask a homeowner for immediate payment via gift card, wire transfer, or cash app. Nor would they threaten to interrupt service immediately. Contact your utility provider from the number you find on your bill or online in order to verify any issues with your account, and always ask to see identification before allowing a utility worker near you or into your residence.

Fake Family Emergency Scam

In this scam a relative, usually a grandparent or aunt or uncle, gets a call from their “niece,” “nephew” or “grandchild.” They are told there has been an emergency – such as an arrest or accident – and the family member needs to send money quickly. In some cases, the caller claims to be an attorney acting for a relative. The scammer tells the family member to send money by wire or prepaid debit cards. If you or a family member get a call like this, resist the pressure to send money right away, even if the story sounds urgent. Hang up and call them back on the number you have for them, or contact the Police Department where they are allegedly being held.