The Switzerland County Sheriff’s Office wants you to know that they care for the elderly in our community. Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach us at (812) 427-3636 or in the case of an emergency dial 911. Each year people find themselves the victims of fraud and identity thefts. We receive numerous reports in our office each year from victims. The following tips are given to ensure that our citizens don’t become a victim of crime:
TELEMARKETING FRAUD
When you send someone money that you do not know, you increase your odds of becoming a victim of telemarketing.
Here are some signs that you may be a victim of fraud.
- You must act “now” or the offer won’t be good.
- You have won a free gift but have to pay a shipping or handling fee or “Taxes” to claim it.
- You must send money, give your credit card or your bank account information to receive goods or to get a loved one out of jail. These requests are rarely legit.
If you hear of any of these or “similar lines” from anyone, just say no thank you and hang up the telephone. You do not have to be nice to these people. HANG UP.
IDENTITY THEFT
Identity theft occurs when someone assumes your identity to perform fraud or other criminal act. Identity thieves can obtain your information from statements that you throw away in the trash. They can also pose as electric, phone, or cable companies and ask for your information to “pay an overdue bill” or to “verify your account”. NEVER give out your information over the phone. No legitimate company will ever call and ask you for this type of information. Once they have your information, they can apply for loans and credit cards in your name. You get stuck with the bill and they get the benefits.
If you suspect that someone is trying to take advantage of you, kindly advise them that you will have to talk to your Sheriff to see if this is legitimate or not. They will be very convincing. DO NOT GIVE INTO THEIR CHARM. Call me at (812) 427-3636 and leave a message. I will call you back to discuss the situation. I have never come across a legitimate offer in all my years with the department. Please do not fall victim to these criminal activities. Once you have given money or information to them, it is virtually impossible to get it back.
BUSINESS SCAMS
Business scams are where a “company” comes to your house and offers a Great Deal on re-paving your driveway, painting a roof, fixing a shed, etc… They will give you a low price to perform the work and get a down payment to start the job. They inform you that they are going to get materials and never come back. You have lost your money and the “company information” they gave you is fictitious. Or, they give you one price to do the job and perform the work. When the invoice is given to you, you notice that the price has gone up dramatically. They offer some excuse as to why the price went up and you pay the high price. Most of these contractors are not from our area and could be from several states away. Don’t be fooled by these crooks. If you need some work done, hire locally with someone you can trust. If you encounter this type of scam artist in our community, call us immediately at (812) 427-3636 and report it. Try to remember the type of truck, company name and license plate if you can get it.
These are just a few of the many types of crimes affecting our community each and every day. Don’t be fooled by these scams. Call us so that we can direct you in how to proceed with a incident.
DON’T FALL VICTIM FOR THESE TYPE OF SCAMS.
