The Upper Allen Police Department is committed to helping our community stay safe from the many scams and con artists targeting our residents. Unfortunately, we often see hundreds of thousands of dollars lost by our citizens each year, with senior residents frequently becoming targets. By understanding common tactics and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
The Golden Rule: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Here are some common tactics con artists use and important tips to protect yourself and your loved ones:
Common Scam Tactics
Con artists are masters of deception, often creating a sense of urgency, fear, or excitement to get you to act without thinking. Be wary of any situation involving:
- Gift Card Demands: This is a huge red flag! Any request to buy gift cards (Google Play, iTunes, Green Dot, Walmart, etc.) and then provide the numbers over the phone or online is always a scam. Law enforcement, government agencies, or legitimate companies will never ask for payment in gift cards.
- Fake Tech Support: Scammers pretend to be from well-known tech companies. They might claim your computer has a virus or other serious issue. They’ll try to gain remote access to your computer and may even manipulate your bank account display to make it look like they’ve overpaid you, then demand you “refund” the difference by buying gift cards.
- Impersonating Officials: Con artists may pose as IRS agents, utility company representatives, police officers, or other government officials. They might threaten you with arrest, legal action, or service disconnection if you don’t immediately pay a supposed debt or fine. Remember, the IRS will always contact you by mail first, not by phone for immediate payment.
- Sweepstakes and Lottery Winnings: You receive a notification that you’ve won a large sum of money or a prize, but you need to pay a “tax,” “fee,” or “handling charge” upfront to claim it. Legitimate lotteries don’t ask for money to release winnings.
- Grandparent Scams/Family Emergencies: You get an urgent call from someone claiming to be a grandchild or family member in distress (e.g., “I’m in jail,” “I’ve been in an accident”) who needs money immediately, often through gift cards or wire transfers. Always verify the story with another family member before acting.
- Unsolicited Offers and High-Pressure Sales: This includes offers for “free” services (like fighting for Social Security or Medicare benefits in exchange for contributions), unusually high investment returns, or work-at-home schemes that require an upfront payment. High-pressure sales tactics are designed to rush you into a bad decision.
- “Refund Information Services”: Be careful of calls offering to help you get a refund from a previous scam. These are often new scams targeting previous victims.
- Door-to-Door Sales and Strangers in Your Home: Be cautious about admitting strangers into your home. Always check references and credentials thoroughly before hiring anyone for construction, repair work, or any service.
- Unordered Items and Large Sums of Cash: Never pay for items you didn’t order. Avoid discussing personal finances with strangers, and never keep large amounts of money at home.
- Postal Money Order Fraud: Be extremely cautious if asked to deposit or cash a Postal Money Order for someone, especially if it’s from out-of-state, international, or from an online request. Always verify the money order’s legitimacy with a postal clerk.
Key Prevention Tips
- Don’t Answer Unrecognized Numbers: Let calls go to voicemail. If it’s important, they’ll leave a message.
- Question Everything: If an offer seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Take your time, do your research, and discuss it with a trusted family member or friend.
- Verify Identity: If someone claims to be from a company or government agency, hang up and call them back using a publicly listed phone number (not one they provide).
- Protect Personal Information: Never give out personal financial information (credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, bank account details) over the phone or online unless you initiated the contact and are sure of the recipient’s legitimacy.
- Never Allow Remote Computer Access: Do not allow anyone remote access to your computer unless you personally know them and trust their intentions.
- Be Skeptical of Call Center Scripts: Scammers often use generic scripts and may have foreign accents. While not a definitive sign of fraud, it’s a reason to be extra cautious.
- Educate and Share: Share this information with vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors, especially seniors.
What to Do if You Suspect a Scam or Are a Victim
If you suspect a scam or believe you’ve been a victim, please don’t be embarrassed. Scammers are highly sophisticated, and your information can help us prevent others from falling prey.
Contact the Upper Allen Police Department: Call us immediately at 717-795-2445.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and together we can make Upper Allen Township a safer place for everyone.
