LCSO: Fraud line remains active
Residents are targeted everyday by fraudsters posing as IRS agents, desperate grandchildren, online sweethearts, sweepstakes representatives and debt collectors.
Financial crimes are on the rise nationwide as con-artists target consumers by mail, telephone, door to door sales and the Internet.
Old and young alike are potential victims, and chances are high that at some point you too will find yourself being preyed on by a swindler who knows no bounds, borders or jurisdictions.
The increase in these types of reports is why nearly 10 years ago, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office became the first local agency to designate a phone line as a central reporting place for consumers.
Known as the “fraud line,” calls from seasonal and full-time residents have rapidly grown from just a few hundred calls, to nearly 4,000 calls in just the first six months of 2016.
The increase confirms that people are anxious to report frauds and scams, eager to seek the advice of law enforcement officials, as well as learn how to protect the identity and assets of their loved ones.
“These dangerous imposters are very persuasive and will use all types of excuses, explanations and offers to separate you from your money,” Sheriff Mike Scott said. “Don’t be afraid to hang up, close the door, or hit the delete button.”
A few practical tips:
– Do not believe your caller ID. Scammers use technology to manipulate numbers.
– Do not pay upfront for services before the work is done.
– Do not deposit a check and wire transfer money back to someone you do not know.
– Never pay taxes or shipping fees in order to claim a sweepstakes/lottery prize.
– Do not fall for high pressure sales tactics. If a company is legitimate they will be patient. Avoid the “act now” or “in your neighborhood” pitch.
– Do not be afraid to tell a trusted friend, neighbor or law enforcement officer if you have been the victim of a scam or fraud.
If you would like to report a fraud or scam, contact 239-258-3292, or file a complaint online at: www.ic3.gov or www.ftc.gov.
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office
LCSO: Fraud line remains active
Residents are targeted everyday by fraudsters posing as IRS agents, desperate grandchildren, online sweethearts, sweepstakes representatives and debt collectors.
Financial crimes are on the rise nationwide as con-artists target consumers by mail, telephone, door to door sales and the Internet.
Old and young alike are potential victims, and chances are high that at some point you too will find yourself being preyed on by a swindler who knows no bounds, borders or jurisdictions.
The increase in these types of reports is why nearly 10 years ago, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office became the first local agency to designate a phone line as a central reporting place for consumers.
Known as the “fraud line,” calls from seasonal and full-time residents have rapidly grown from just a few hundred calls, to nearly 4,000 calls in just the first six months of 2016.
The increase confirms that people are anxious to report frauds and scams, eager to seek the advice of law enforcement officials, as well as learn how to protect the identity and assets of their loved ones.
“These dangerous imposters are very persuasive and will use all types of excuses, explanations and offers to separate you from your money,” Sheriff Mike Scott said. “Don’t be afraid to hang up, close the door, or hit the delete button.”
A few practical tips:
– Do not believe your caller ID. Scammers use technology to manipulate numbers.
– Do not pay upfront for services before the work is done.
– Do not deposit a check and wire transfer money back to someone you do not know.
– Never pay taxes or shipping fees in order to claim a sweepstakes/lottery prize.
– Do not fall for high pressure sales tactics. If a company is legitimate they will be patient. Avoid the “act now” or “in your neighborhood” pitch.
– Do not be afraid to tell a trusted friend, neighbor or law enforcement officer if you have been the victim of a scam or fraud.
If you would like to report a fraud or scam, contact 239-258-3292, or file a complaint online at: www.ic3.gov or www.ftc.gov.
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office
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