Neighborhood Watch Coordinators received an email from Sherrie Carhart at the Sheriff's Dept. letting us know about a series of scams that have happened recently where neighbors have received emails that look like they are actually from their known neighbors in need of help overseas. We wanted to share with you some "red flags" about scams and some tips and reminders on protecting yourself from this email:
"Red Flags"
1. The IRS is calling. You owe money. But you really don’t- not to these fakers.
2. You ran a toll booth, they claim. Now these phonies want you to settle up.
3. Your electric bill is overdue, they say, Pay hundreds to keep your lights on.
4. The Attorney General’s office, sends a link on a loan inquiry. Don’t click.
5. A virus has attached your computer. Pseudo tech support wants your password.
6. You Paypal account has an expired credit card and you need to put in your new card number and the 3 digit number on the back.
7. Your browser has been locked and you are in violation of federal law. Your email contains images of child abuse, originating anywhere in the world. (see the attached email image sent to Community Activist, Irwin of Rio Linda). Irwin took a screenshot of it and deleted it and forwarded it to his neighbors. See how you can purchase a ‘moneypak’ with cash, put in the code, send it to the fraudster and be scammed.
Tips & Reminders
Always verify the identity of anyone asking for money, personal information, or permission to access your computer. Don’t click on links or use numbers provided in e-mail or texts. Obtain the correct contact info separately, such as from a previous bill.
Shred sensitive documents before discarding them and always examine your bank statements and credit card statements for unusual transactions.
Consider keeping different user name and password combinations for different accounts and change them regularly.
Consumer Reports tested a password safekeeping service called LastPass and found it to be effective.
You can go to one of the three credit reports and get a copy of your report or add a fraud alert message. https://www.experian.com/fraud/center
You can request that your name be removed from pre-approved credit card and junk mail lists. https://www.optoutprescreen.com
Sherrie Carhart, North Crime Prevention Specialist
Sheriff’s North Patrol Division
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