SCAM ALERT

Received 9-21-05

Jury Duty Scam

The Scammer calls the residents or office number of the Victim and identifies themselves as an officer or employee of the local court or jurisdiction. The Scammer announces to the Victim, that he/she has failed to report for jury duty, and that a bench warrant was issued against them for their arrest. The Victim’s reaction is one of shock and surprise which places them at an immediate disadvantage, and much more susceptible to the scam. The Victim will rightly deny knowledge of any such claim; that no Jury Duty notification was ever received.

The Scammer shifts into high gear, reassuring the Victim of the possibility this is all “just a misunderstanding” or “some sort of clerical error” that can all be straightened up on the phone. All they need to do is “verify” their information with a few simple questions. Any reluctance on the Victim’s part and the Scammer will threaten that the failure to provide the information will result in an immediate execution of the arrest warrant. The Scammer obtains names, Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, and will solicit credit card or bank account numbers claiming these will be used by their credit bureau to “verify” the Victim’s identity. Threats against the person, should he/she be arrested would then have a criminal record, are frightening and persuasive.

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Giving That Counts

Received 9-06-05

As the Gulf Coast recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Americans are being very generous in donating money. But unbelievably, scam artists are using this disaster to try to take advantage of our generosity. Reports are already coming in about calls and email solicitations that ask people to send money for recovery efforts. Instead these are scams designed to steal your money or credit card numbers.

Before you make a donation, be certain that your money is going where you want it to go. Just because someone claims the money will be used on behalf of a charity does not mean your money will really go to that cause or charity.

If you don't know who is asking, don't give.

When a stranger asks for a donation, do not assume that the person is honestly raising money for victims. Con artists say they are raising money on behalf of a legitimate organization, but actually they have no connection with true organizations. Web-based scams may say they are raising money for the Red Cross but then direct people to send their money to a fraudulent account.

Take the time to get more information.

Solicitors may be coming door-to-door, standing on street corners or in shopping malls, advertising in newspapers or on the radio, sending letters or emails, or calling on the phone. You may be pressured to give money on the spot, before you have a chance to think. You'll want to know how much of your donation will actually get to the victims, so ask for written financial information before you give.

Avoid "Instant" Charity Web Sites

New web sites are springing up that look on the surface like they are seeking donations. Checking the URL registration might give you a clue as to who is behind the site, but even then there is no guarantee that one cent of your donation would go anywhere other than the pocket of the creator. Watch out for phishing emails pretending to be from a legitimate organization. Inevitably they will direct you to spurious web sites. They only want your bank or credit card numbers to invade your accounts; not to get your money to hurricane victims. Do not click on any link to any site from an email even if the email or the site look legitimate. If you want to give online, type in the charity's web address yourself.

Warning Signs of a Scam

• Appealing to your emotions without saying how the money will help
• Offering to send someone to pick up your contribution
• Requesting your credit card number or bank account
• Failing to explain the operation's administrative costs and programs
• Using a similar sounding name that suggests a well known charity
• Expecting payments for gifts, such as greeting cards, address labels, or religious tokens

Protect your charitable dollars

It is good to be generous, but take precautions to make sure that your donations will get where you want them to go.

• Ask for and review written financial information before making a donation.
• Call your state Attorney General or Secretary of State to see if the charity is registered. In some states, charities must file financial disclosures.
• Pay with a check—not cash—made out to the charity, not the fundraiser.
• Contribute directly to the charity, not the fundraiser.
• Keep written records of your donations and pledges. Check your records if someone says you made a pledge you don't recall.
• Know the difference between "tax deductible" and "tax exempt." Donations to tax-exempt organizations are not necessarily tax deductible for you. If your donation is tax deductible, get a receipt.
• Don't give your credit card number or any personal information over the phone or in response to an email.

http://www.aarp.org/money/wise_consumer/scams/hurricane_katrina.html

Received 6-10-05

At 1:17 pm today we recieved another Email from "SouthTrust" Bank to update our banking informaiton. This is the same Email we recieved on 5-10-05. Remember to tell your friends not to respond to this.

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Received 5-31-05

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Received 5-10-05

The Scamers are at it again, please let all your friends know that banks will never ask you to update your information over the Internet.

Received 5-3-05

This is the most recent scam to hit the internet, if you know anyone who may get this please tell them not to complete the form.

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Received 4-21-05

This was received by one of our very savvy computer using seniors, who had his mind on other things. He completed the form and sent it off by email. What he did not know was that he was SCAMED.

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Be On The Alert     Posted 3-21-05

The company is called "Latoy Medical Supply".  They may go by other names as well. They target Spanish-speaking individuals. They go directly to the home and try to sell medical equipment. The company shows up with a copy machine, brings it into the home, and copies all of your private records.  In another case they had the individual leave her home and go to another residence where all her records were copied. They actually do deliver medical equipment, however, it has no manufacture name or info.  They then bill between Medi-Cal and Medicare to get as much money as possible. 

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Posted  2-08-05

There is a new crime trend that seniors need to be aware of and be on the look out for.

The victim is a male in his 70's and lives in an upscale neighborhood in the North West end of Fresno

The victim was sweeping his walk way when a young Hispanic male drove up in a late model gold van with dealers plates on it. 

The suspect got out of the van and approached the victim.  The suspect had a fire extinguisher with him and threatened the victim if he did not give up his wallet. 

The victim struck the suspect many times with the broom handle and was sprayed in the face with the fire extinguisher before the suspect fled in the van. 

Elderly residents should be warned about this type of incident and to call the police immediately if approached.

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Posted 2-14-05

FCC Fact Sheets on Telecommunications Frauds and Scams

The FCC educates consumers about frauds or scams through many outreach programs. The following consumer fact sheets specifically address the issues of this year’s theme.

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Cell Phone Scam

Cell phone fraud involves the unauthorized use, tampering or manipulation of a cellular phone or service. It occurs when someone signs up for service with fraudulently-obtained customer information or false identification. Perpetrators of this fraud scheme use your personal information and use it to set up a cell phone account using your name. Learn more about cell phone fraud at www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cellphonefraud.html.

En Español - Fraude de celulares

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Telemarketing Scam

It works like this. You get a call asking you to be on a state Do-Not-Call list or to verify your previous registration on such a list. Eventually, allegedly for verification purposes, you are asked to give your social security, credit card and/or bank account numbers. Armed with your personal information, the perpetrator can access your accounts and personal records, and use it to steal money, make unauthorized purchases, in sum, steal your identify. To learn more and what you can do if you are a victim of this scam, go to www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/telemarketscam.html.

En Español - Tenga cuidado con los fraudes en las llamadas de telemercadeo