Listed below are several common scams criminals use to steal from you. Scams are constantly changing and evolving, but the general theme remains the same: scammers will try to trick you into giving them your money through extortion, blackmail, greed, romance, scare tactics, or your desire to help others in need, to name a few.
One of the best and easiest ways to avoid getting scammed is by not answering the phone if you do not recognize the number, and by not clicking on email/text links that appear to be suspicious. Scammers can spoof any phone number, so the number showing on your caller ID can appear to be legitimate. Anytime someone unexpectedly contacts you and instructs you to provide personal information or transfer money for any reason, it is probably a scam. If you apply for a job online and are “hired” without meeting your boss, it is probably a scam. If you are attempting to purchase an item online or via an app from a private party seller and they instruct you to prepay for the item prior to meeting, it is probably a scam. If someone contacts you, tells you your account has been hacked, and asks for your account login and password to verify your account, it is probably a scam. If the representative for an online rental will not meet with you and does not allow you to tour the property, it is probably a scam. If you are tempted to send money, provide personal information, or have any other questions, please call your local police agency first for advice.
