From the WCPD / General Investigations Unit: Another day, another scam.
Unfortunately, there is no shortage of fraud cases coming into our General Investigations Unit and no shortage of good people being victimized by scams. The elderly are often the targets.
In a current case, the victim received an email that appeared to be from the “Geek Squad” at Best Buy. The victim clicked a link in the email and was taken to a website that seemed legitimate and included a phone number for “customer service.”
Once that number was called, the victim then allowed the person on the other end to access her computer remotely, giving them access to check her banking records. A fraudulent edit of the bank account was then created that showed the victim’s bank balance was inflated. The claim was made that funds were deposited in error to the victim’s account and someone would be coming by the house to pick up cash to rectify the problem.
The victim was bullied into going to the bank right away to withdraw the “accidental funds” (all while the phone call remains active, so the scammers can listen and coach them what not to say). Then someone comes to pick up the money.
This scam has the hallmark of so many others. Scams often involve unsolicited phone calls or emails, suspicious links, callers who create a sense of urgency and who make demands to resolve the matter with cash or gift cards. This is a big red flag: Legitimate companies or government agencies will never ask for payment in that fashion.
A few tips from GIU detectives:
Be suspicious of unexpected emails or text messages.
Always conduct your own online search to locate a company/agency phone number or website rather than call the number or click a link provided to you.
Don’t grant anyone access to your personal computer unless you are certain who you are dealing with.
Never agree to pay for any service or make any reimbursement with gifts cards. That has scam written all over it.
Do not allow any stranger to come to you home to collect cash as “reimbursement.”
Do not let anyone keep you on the phone to bully you into going to a bank or coach you on what to say.
When in doubt, ask a trusted friend or relative if the situation seems legitimate before taking any action. Do not hesitate to call police to report these incidents.
