This post is courtesy of Barb Bennett, Chief Scambuster at the Larimer County Sheriff’s office.
We hope this finds you all healthy and in positive spirits. This year is coming to a close, and I think we are all taking a deep breath and hoping things will get better as we move into a new year.
As we near the Christmas holiday, scammers are even more resourceful and busy. I just want to highlight some of the active scams for this holiday season to be cautious of.
First – a little overview of cool things you can do from our website https://www.larimer.org/information/frauds-scams.
Details of scams are on our website – along with all the ScamBuster Newsletters toward the bottom of the page. Each of the scam cards are easily shareable from the webpage – to the right of each scam card you will see…..so you can share or email the scam card to friends and family to keep them educated about scams. These are not only happening in Larimer County – but all over the country so feel free to share with anyone you know. The more the merrier.
Now for a few scams to be on high alert during this holiday season – you can find more details on our website.
Facebook ads – these are not certified by Facebook – many are from overseas – delivery times are very long – the item you purchase may not be the same as you receive – or you won’t receive it at all. Buyer beware!
Ebay bait and switch – You order something from an Ebay seller – they call you directly and tell you they can give you a better deal if you cancel through Ebay and buy directly from them. Buyer beware – you have no buyer protection if you don’t go through Ebay and give this seller your credit card directly. You may never see your product and you have no backing from Ebay.
Charity scams – Tis the season to be giving! If you want to give, make sure you initiate the donation to the official charity of your choosing. Do not donate over the phone or via email.
Amazon Prime renewal – If you have purchased Prime for Amazon. they will not call you and ask for money on the phone for your renewal! Go to your official Amazon account and deal directly with them.
Covid scams – unemployment scams – Covid vaccines – therapies – PPE supplies — bad actors are using Covid for many ways to take your money or get your personal information. Filing false unemployment claims in your name – promising early vaccines if you pay for it now – fix-all therapies — fake N95 masks (note – N95 masks are always marked on the mask as N95 certified) — and US Bank Relia cards for unemployment benefits when you didn’t request them. Check our website for info on these scams.
Utility bill scams – phone call telling you they are going to shut off your electricity in 30 minutes if you don’t pay them over the phone.
On-line ordering – in this age of Covid – many of us are shopping on-line to stay out of crowded stores. Protect your credit and banking info when you purchase on-line – stick with companies you trust – never provide your info in email or on phone.
My apologies for such a lengthy newsletter – but I want you to be aware of all the various traps the scammers have placed to take advantage of us during the pandemic and holiday season. Also know that no one is spared from these scammers – we are all targets for these bad guys.
On a happy note — we want to wish you the merriest Christmas and the hope for a wonderful 2021. Stay alert, vigilant, safe and healthy!