You know the old adage. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
However, what about all the other times when making a judgement call, for better or worse, isn’t so simple? If you’ve ever found yourself in this tough spot and felt unsure what to do next, you’re not alone.
West Chester Police regularly take reports from individuals who, caught in moments of uncertainty, have sadly prey to scam artists. Fortunately, there are roadblocks you can throw up to slow scammers in their tracks, avoid the pitfalls and hopefully save yourself from becoming a victim.
Above all, law enforcement professionals urge extreme caution in phone calls, text messages and email correspondence with unfamiliar people who tell you that they represent organizations/groups such as cable providers, government agencies, health care providers, etc. If you did not initiate the conversation, do not engage. You may be putting yourself at risk for things like fraud and identity theft.
If you suspect the person you’re dealing with is official, it’s key to stop and first take time to confirm their credentials. Don’t make a transaction until you’ve done your homework.
Use these four steps from the West Chester Police Department to cut through the noise.
What you should do:
Document their information.
Disconnect with them.
Research the appropriate number to reach them or the company (do not call them back on a number they provided or called from unless you can independently verify the authenticity of that number).
Contact the verified number and reconnect with them or talk with someone else to address the business they have with you.
Apply these rules as a guideline while always keeping your guard up. Do not be tricked into making the false assumption that you, personally, couldn’t possibly fall for a scam. Police warn that scammers are often very good at pretending to be legitimate, and no system of detection is foolproof.
While these crimes can happen to anyone, police say thieves will often target the elderly, young people or those with special needs. Please take additional precautions if you know or care for someone who may be particularly vulnerable.
Police confirm it’s true that scams can be challenging for law enforcement organizations to investigate, but West Chester Police say it’s important that anyone affected by this type of malicious behavior report crime tips and suspicious activity immediately. Go to www.WestChesterOH.org/Tips to report a tip.
For questions or concerns in non-emergency situations, you can message West Chester Police online or call the non-emergency phone number in West Chester Township at (513) 777-2231. As always, dial 911 in cases of emergency.
Connect with the West Chester Police Department at www.WestChesterOH.org/Police.