Scam Alerts

Scams currently being committed:There are several scams currently in progress that are targeting members of our community, especially the senior members of our community. These scammers will try to scare you or enticeyou into sending them money. Here are a few of the most common ones:

1.Social Security Scam –People will get a call where they will be told the following or hear a message stating the following: “We have been trying to contact you because your Social Security number has been suspected for fraudulent activities so once you get this message kindly call us back as soon as possible on the same number or press one to speak to our investigating officer”. They may also say that there is a warrant out for your arrest and provide a “Warrant control number”.a.The Social Security Administration will never call you in regards to your account. People who get this call should not give out ANY information and just hang up.b.The Social Security Administration does not issue warrants or arrest people. Warrants are not handled over the phone. Again, don’t give out any information, and hang up.

2.Employment Scam –People will get an email from a supposed friend of a friend offering them as job as a “Secret shopper” or a storeevaluator. They will send a check, and then ask they you send back most of the money (minus a supposed small commission for you), or they will ask you to purchase gift cards and send them back or call in with the serial numbers for the cards. a.Legitimate agencies will not pay you and ask for money back.b.No business or government agency will ever ask you to pay them in gift cards or iTunes Cards.Do not respond to these offers.

3.Property Scam -Never agree to rent a property over Craig’s List or any otherwebsite. Always use a real estate company or a property management company.

4.Grandparent Scam –People may get a call from someone stating that “This is your favorite grandson/granddaughter” and that they have run into some legal trouble and are in need of bail money. They may ask for funds to be wired via Western Union.a.Law Enforcement does not accept wire transfers. Courts and jails accept cash, and sometimes credit cards or checks. NEVER give out your credit card information over the phone to someoneyou don’t know. b.If someone asks for money, always ask their name.c.If someone says that they are in custody, ask to speak to a Law Enforcement Officer. Get a call back number. Hang up. Look up the supposed law enforcement agency on the internet. Only call them back if you can verify that they exist and that the number is correct.

5.Things to remember:a.Scammers sound very convincing. Don’t fall for it!b.No one accepts iTunes cards or gift cards as payment.c.NEVER give out your Social Security number, date of birth, account numbers, or other identifying information unless you know who it is you are talking to and it is absolutely required.d.Most of these scams originate overseas, and are very hard for Law Enforcement to investigate or prosecute. The best thing you can do is to not fall for them. e.The Valley Township Police Department is here to answer any questions you might have about potential scams. Feel free to call us at 610-383-7000.