Be Alert, Scammers Are Busy!

Here are some updates on some of the active scams to be alert for.  Best advice is to not answer an unknown phone number, or hang up if they seem suspicious.

MISSED JURY DUTY:  A Sgt Stokes wieth LCSO and Lt. Marshall Adams say you have missed jury duty, have an arrest warrant and they can pay over the phone with pre-paid cards.  (Law enforcement doesn’t call you and ask for money for an arrest warrant!  They just arrest you.)

DATING WEBSITES:  Identify as military personnel serving overseas – caller wants to deposit large sum of money to victims account and then asks for money to return home from overseas.  Sometimes they spend a month or two courting you online and then ask for money.

Craigs List:  House for sale or rent.  Scammer says he is out of state but need you to pay with prepaid cards.  (Scammer does not own this home)

GRANDPARENT/PARENT :  “We have your granddaughter/grandson/family member and are doing horrible things to them – you need to pay us to get them back.”  or – the caller says they are your grandchild and needs money – they are in jail, trouble, stranded, etc.  (ALWAYS a scam – always check with your grandchild or their parents to confirm they are fine)

Windows Support:  Someone with an accent identifies he is with Windows support and needs to fix something on your computer.  He needs access to get on your computer and will charge xxx amount to fix it.  If you tell this person he is a scammer he will get very nasty with you.

IRS:  A call from the IRS saying you owe back taxes and they will arrest you if you don’t pay on the phone.  (IRS doesn’t make phone calls.  They send you a notice through the US postal service.)

• Anyone asking you for gift or money cards as a form of payment is a SCAMMER!
• NEVER hit links in an email you receive.
• NEVER give any of your personal information on the phone.
• NEVER give anyone access to your computer (they want to download your personal info.)
• CAll law enforcement  to confirm whether its a scam.
• Check out AARP Fraud Watch Network – at FRAUDWATCHALERT@AARP.ORG
• Check out  our frauds and scams page – https://www.larimer.org/sheriff/services/information/frauds-scams
• If you think you have been scammed, report it to 970-416-1985.  If you just want to report a scam call – feel free to call me at 970-682-0597 so we can alert others.

If you have received scam calls other than these listed – feel free to send me an email or leave me a message.  In the meantime, stay alert and either don’t answer or just hang up!