Police Warning of Salem-Area Telephone Scam

Police say you should never provide personal information to anyone who calls looking for it.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - Several Salem residents have called the Salem Police Department reporting suspicious activity where they are contacted by telephone and advised that they are eligible for a government grant of several thousand dollars.

They are told that all they have to do is provide their bank account number, or send a check for a few hundred dollars to collect this "free" grant.

This is NOT a legitimate offer and is designed to scam people out of hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Beware of ANY offer where you are going to receive something without requesting it. The government does not call people up to give them money. Grants must be submitted for and it is a lengthy process, not a phone call.

If you receive one of these calls, DO NOT provide any personal information and DO NOT send any money or provide your bank account number. If you have any questions about one of these phone offers, contact your local police department.