The Federal Trade Commission latest statistics indicate: 2022 – $1.3billion lost to on-line romance scams targeting 70,000 people; 2021 – $1billion lost in crypto scams targeting 46,000 people aged 30-49; 2022 – Over $9.2million lost to grandparent scams targeting seniors!
Scams
These stats could be low since many scams go unreported. Why? Embarrassment, humiliation, feeling stupid, dumb, etc. These are all normal feelings, but reporting is the best way to help stop bad actors. No one is immune to being scammed.
Here are several of the latest scams:
TOP SCAM: the law enforcement impersonator targets medical offices and physicians. The scammer spoofs the sheriff’s office main phone number), represents himself as Deputy/Sgt/Detective so and so. Asks you to call back at a different number if you did not pick up. You failed to appear on a subpoena or missed a trial date to testify regarding a patient. You now have a warrant for your arrest and your bond is set at $8,600. Please remember – law enforcement NEVER calls you and asks or money over the phone.
OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT IMPERSONATORS: You get a call from the Dept of Border Patrol as your identity has been used for drugs and money laundering. If you do not want to be arrested, you must pay. This caller has an Indian accent.
PUBLISHERS CLEARING HOUSE: A Mercedes is on its way to your house, and you also won millions of $$$$. All you have to do is confirm you want this windfall by buying money cards at Dollar Store, 7-11 or other location and pay the caller $850.
EMAIL FROM SOCIAL SECURITY: A fake email sender representing Social Security.
Subject: Your id has been found in money laundering. Your Intimation email … your social security number has been put on temporary suspension due to illegal activities.
INVESTING IN CRYPTO CURRENCY
New twist starts with an on-line romance link and once trust is established: this new “friend” wants to help you invest in crypto. Losses through crypto scams tend to be much higher than other scams.
REMEMBER: If you are reacting to an email, phone call, text, or social media offering, and feel fear, excitement, sense of urgency, curiosity, etc.– please do NOT act – it is a scam. If you were in your rational thinking mode, rather than an emotional reaction, you would see the red flags. Scammers want you to be compliant so you will give them what they want. Always keep in mind – if it seems too good to be true – it is! Listen to your instincts. Courtesy Larimer Sheriff.