Protect Yourself & Your Information Against Scams 9. Only donate to established charities. Avoid charities that suddenly pop-up after major disasters.10. Do not fall for high pressure tactics. The following scams have all been reported in our area

1. Stay up to date with news of current scams. Talk to family and friends. 11. Beware of “imposter” scams. The scammer will pretend to be someone close to you in need of money. IRS tax scamsPIN change request scam - If you receive a message to change your access code. Delete it and call your financial institution.NEVER SHARE YOUR PIN
2. Scammers will continue to contact you by phone, postal mail, texts or email. 12. Beware of government agencies calling you to “pay or else”. Government agencies such as the IRS, Social Security and Medicare will not call you. Social Security claiming your number has been compromised.Medicare needing to confirm your information or a new plan.Police advising you have a warrant and can pay bond with gift cards or crypto currency.Tech companies wanting access to your computer to fix a “problem”.
3. Financial companies, Police and Federal Agencies will NOT call asking for personal information. 13. Anytime someone requests that you pay a debt with a gift card or crypto currency it is a scam! Police advising you have a warrant and can pay bond with gift cards or crypto currency.
4. Confirm who you are dealing with by disconnecting and calling a number you can trust. 14. Don't answer phone calls from numbers that you don't recognize. Let unknown callers go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message. Overpayment by check requesting reimbursement with cash.YOU WON! Send us payment.Extortion for inappropriate photos!
5. Do not reply to emails or texts asking for your personal information. 15. NEVER allow anyone to “REMOTE IN” to your computer. Rental property feesGift card/cryptocurrency paymentPayment by Bitcoin ATMCourier picking up your cash/gold
6. Do not call phone numbers found in texts or links and don't click links contained in messages asking for personal information. 16. STOP! If someone suggests it may be a scam, it's a scam! Toll Fee Due scamsPay Pal payment scamsApple Card payment scams
7. If you win the lottery or sweep stakes you will not have to pre-pay taxes or fees. 17. If it is “too good to be true”, it's a scam! Pay Pal payment scamsApple Card payment scams
8. Update passwords. Do not use words like “password”. Use 2-Factor-Authentication and device security features. Never share passwords! 18. Scammers use scare tactics like telling you that you will be arrested or they will post your information online. Toll Fee Due scamsPay Pal payment scams