The Police Department warns citizens to be aware of increased phone fraud or scam attempts, especially during the holidays. One scam attempt reported in the area involves a phone call from an individual falsely claiming to be a credit card fraud representative. The caller asserts there has been fraudulent activity on the intended victim's account and advises the intended victim to call an FBI agent.
The caller supplies a phone number to make the contact. When the intended victim makes contact, the individual falsely operating as an FBI agent requests the victim to send money to assist with the investigation, with a promise that the money will be returned. Victims are instructed to make bank withdrawals and to ship or mail the cash to specified locations.
Repeat attempts have been reported in some instances.
Here are tips on spotting the fraud and avoiding serious financial loss:
- Call the customer service number that is printed on your credit card to verify your account activity information
- Never call a number provided from an unknown source
- Please understand that law enforcement does not require, request or collect money from the victim to help solve their fraud case
- If you are unsure contact a close trusted friend or relative to assist with making contact with issuing bank or credit card company
- You may also call your local police for assistance in determining the validity of such attempts
- NEVER under any circumstances should you wire or mail money to someone you do not know!
- Visit the Federal Trade Commission website: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0060-10-things-you-can-do-avoid-fraud
For more on fraud, scams and identity theft issues, visit our website @ https://www.danvilleva.gov/595/Scams-Schemes
or call the Crime Prevention Office at 434-797-8898
