Scam attempts on the rise in Seal Beach; police advise caution
SEAL BEACH POLICE
The Seal Beach Police Department has identified a significant uptick in financial “scam” and “fraud” crimes, primarily targeted at the city’s senior citizen population. The best way to stop these types of scams is to build awareness and provide preventative suggestions to thwart these crimes before they occur.
Scammers create many scenarios to facilitate their crimes, including threats of violence to pressure their victims into feeling hopeless, intimidated, and having no recourse but to send money. Phone calls, text messages, emails and computer pop-up ads via the internet and social media are the most common types of mediums used by perpetrators. These methods are preferred due to the fact victims can be contacted worldwide through these devices. The following is a compilation of the most common types of mechanisms used by fraudsters; however, this list is not exhaustive.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates there are nearly 2.4 billion robocalls made each month. Robocalls often use spoofed area codes to appear like they are calling from the victim’s local area or with the caller ID of a government agency. Typically, an automated message will then inform the victim that they owe money or need to take immediate action on an issue.
People should remember the following:
• No legitimate person or organization will ever tell you to pay by gift card.
• No government agency will ever call/email/text to ask you for money, your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number.
• Recognize scam attempts and end all communication with the perpetrator.
• Search online for the contact information (name, email, phone number or addresses) and the proposed offer. Other people have likely posted information online about individuals and businesses trying to run scams.
• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and doorto-door services offers.
• Never give or send any personally identifiable information, money, jewelry, gift cards, checks, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.
• Make sure all computer anti-virus and security software and malware protections are up to date. Use reputable anti-virus software and firewalls.
• Disconnect from the internet and shut down your device if you see a pop-up message or locked screen.
• Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you do not know and be wary of email attachments forwarded to you.
For more information about scams, go to the Federal Trade Commission website at https:// www.consumer.ftc.gov/.
Report any suspected telephone scams to the Seal Beach Police Department at 562-7994100.
The LW Weekly will run additional information on avoiding scams in a coming issue.
