Fraud Tip of the Week: Telephone Scams

Salem Police Lt. Paul Henninger has been writing special reports that detail criminal practices people need to be aware of. His point of view comes from the inside, we suggest printing his Police Tips and posting them in a place where all people in your home can see them.

Salem-News.com

(salem oregon police tip) - Last week, a 62-year-old Salem resident received an unexpected and exciting phone call. The caller asked for her by name and told her she had won $10,000.

Sounds like great news! The caller claimed to be from a finance company of some sort. He gave a "1-800" business number. To claim her money, all she had to do is provide her bank information, including her account number. The caller talked quickly and immediately started firing questions about her banking information.

The potential victim did the right thing. She hesitated, thought about the questions and refused to answer any of the personal questions. She "turned the table" and started asking the questions. Amazingly, the caller avoided answering her questions. Yet, the caller kept assuring her the winnings were legitimate. She was asked to call back. Instead, she called me. Good job!

Based on the phone number given to the victim, the caller appears to be Soliciting for a "shopping club" operating out of Las Vegas. This type of business is virtually unregulated, and commonly uses deceptive techniques to sell you a product, which you may or may not want. They target senior citizens.

In addition, Identity Thieves can say they are salespersons for the company when they are not.

TIP:

Never give out your personal information on the phone. Scammers and telephone solicitors make unexpected calls to their victims. They offer you quick or easy money. They want you to give out your personal information before you have a chance to think about it. They are very good at what they do and may be able to provide you with convincing documents or Websites. Use common sense.

Legitimate businesses, including your bank or credit card company, already have your personal information and will not ask for it over the phone. If you are foolish enough to call them back, DO NOT use the number they give you. Verify who they are before you call.

Do not use the references they give you. Nobody is going to give you free or easy money. Remember "STRANGER DANGER." Always, know whom you are talking with. Their goal is to keep you on the phone so they can convince you it's real. INTERRUPT, and hang up.