Every day scammers are trying to separate you from your money. The seven members of the Naperville Police Financial Crimes Unit, composed of a sergeant and six detectives, review on average 70 financial crime cases each month.
This month, the Naperville Police Department would like to make Naperville “A Safer Naper” by educating residents on some of the warning signs that could help you identify a scam and protect you from becoming an unsuspecting victim!
Here are some common warning signs and some tips on what you should or shouldn’t do if confronted with any of these scenarios.
- Someone promises you a job – if you pay them. Never pay anyone who promises to get you a job, or a certificate that will get you a job.
- Someone calls saying they are from a government agency, threatens you and demands money. The government doesn’t call to ask for money, nor do they take prepaid cards for payment.
- You get a call or email saying you won the lottery or a raffle that you never bought a ticket for. Except there’s a fee? Never pay for a prize.
- A caller offers to help you get back some money you lost. No government agency or legitimate business will call and demand money to help you get money back.
- You get a check from someone who asked you to give them part of the money back. Never give someone money in return for a check. Fake checks can look real and fool the bank. You’ll have to pay back all the money.
- A caller tells you that there is a virus on your computer and instructs you to allow them remote access. Don’t respond to phone calls about your computer asking for remote access – hang up.
- You get an email, text, or call asking to verify your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number. Never give that information to anyone who contacts you and asks for it.
- Someone says you can “ONLY” pay by wiring money, putting money on a gift card or loading money on a cash reload card. No legitimate company or government agency is going to direct you to pay in this form.
For more information on frauds and scams and how to not fall victim to them, visit www.naperville.il.us/ASaferNaper.
Until next month… Stay Aware and Stay Safe.
