Fraud Alert

Sweepstakes Lottery

This scam involves mailings that advise residents they are the winners of a Sweepstakes lottery with a very large amount of money. It requests all your personal and banking information. Never provide or verify your personal and banking information to anyone that contacts you. This scam often targets the elderly.

Charity Fraud

Many Americans give generously to charity, especially in times of special need. However, con artists may be raising funds for themselves. The charity may not even exist, or if it does, it may only get a tiny part of your donation.

Insist on getting written information before you agree to give to a charity. Verify what percentage of the donation goes to the charity and how much goes to fundraising costs. Ask how much of the contribution is tax deductible. Don't give out credit card or bank account information.

Bank Examiner Scam

Usually in these scams elderly bank customers receive phone calls from someone who claims to be a bank official or auditor, stating they are conducting an internal bank investigation. The caller requests the customer to withdraw a large amount of money. The customer is then told to meet the caller at a pre-arranged location. Banks do not contact customers and make such requests.

IRS Fraud

Citizens receive phone calls or unsolicited emails from criminals impersonating IRS agents or a taxpayer advocacy panel (TAP). Never give any personal identifying information, including your social security number or financial information to anyone who calls you or requests information by email. The IRS will never contact you by phone or email regarding your taxes. You may report the scam on the Treasury Website

Be aware of internet phishing and malware schemes designed to trick taxpayers into thinking these are official communications from the IRS or others in the tax industry. Do not open, click on links or respond to the email. Instead, forward the information to IRS Report Phishing and note that it seems to be a scam email, phishing for your information.

Credit Card and Bank Account Fraud

Be sure to review your monthly credit card and bank account statements. Subjects that obtain your account information will use it to order merchandise via the Internet or at local establishments over the phone. If you do not notify your credit card company or bank of the fraud in a timely manner, you will be held responsible.

Always destroy your credit card receipts or carbon copies when you are finished with them. Do not just put them in the garbage, shred them or burn them.