Types of Scams
Grandparent Scam
The caller claims to be a grandchild, law enforcement, bail bondsman, or someone from a hospital. They claim your grandchild is in trouble, needs bail, or is hurt and ask you to send money immediately. The caller will pressure you to act quickly and may offer to have car service take you to the bank or have you pay in gift cards.
Telephone Scams
IRS/Social Security Scam
The caller claims that you owe back taxes or that your social security number had been compromised.
NOTE: The IRS and SSA will never contact you via telephone
Charity Scam
The scammer may contact you via telephone, instructing you to donate to a charity. Verify any charity before donating by going to www.charitynavigator.org
Bank Scam
Scammer may use phone numbers that appear to be your bank's. They may tell you that your account is locked or a payment failed, in order to obtain your account details. They then have access to your account.
In-Person Scams
Driveway/Roof Repair Scams
The individual at your door will offer to repair your roof or driveway, claiming the repairs need to be made urgently. They will take initial payment and often never perform the work, or will perform poor quality work and may ask for more money than agreed upon to finish the job.
Survey Scams
The individual arrives at your door or approaches you in public, pressuring you to complete a survey in order to get your personal details.
WARNING!
These scammers may have reflective vests, radios, clipboard, ID cards, lanyards, or other props so they look legitimate.
Utility Company Scam/Distraction Burglary
An individual arrives at your door claiming to be from the cable company, the water company, or other utility, requesting access to your residence for an "emergency." The person at the door is often accompanied by other unseen individuals who then gain access to your home through the rear while you are distracted.