The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone that the holiday season is a busy time for you and for scammers. Telephone scammers try to trick you out of money or to get you to give your personal information. The callers often pretend to be family members in trouble and need money quickly, or that you have been charged with a crime or an IRS lien and need to settle it fast. Some other current scams:
A recent scam we learned about involves an alleged representative from Verizon who called and said a phone was ordered on their account and shipped to another state (CA), and they stopped the purchase. They are asking that you change your password to lock your account and enter your PIN. This allows them to have access to your Verizon account. Reminder, never call the number they provide. Always look up Verizon’s (or any provider’s) number directly and call yourself.
Here are some things to remember to have a safe holiday:
Be wary of callers claiming that you have won a prize or vacation package.
Be wary of callers stating you are going to jail or have a lawsuit pending and need you to settle the claim immediately.
Be cautious of caller ID. Scammers can change the phone number that shows up on your caller ID screen to appear to be a number in your area.
Do NOT give in to pressure to take immediate action.
Do NOT say “yes” to any questions asked because they will record this and use it for their personal use.
Do NOT provide any bank or credit information.
Do NOT send money or gift cards without confirming with family members.
If you receive one of these calls, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357, IRS scams call 800-366-4484, or any other scam to the Sheriff’s Office at 607-737-2933.
