Idaho Falls Police Department warns of warrant scam
The Idaho Falls Police Department is issuing a warning to the community regarding a scam specifically targeting those living in Idaho Falls.
In a press release Tuesday IFPD said officers recently took a report from someone after a call from someone claiming they had an outstanding warrant.
The caller told the person they could clear the warrant by paying $4,000. The caller called back later using the Idaho Falls Police Department dispatch phone number, 529-2000, and claimed to be an officer requesting payment.
IFPD wants everyone to know the police department and other government entities do not solicit money over the phone.
The police department frequently receives complaints from people regarding various money scams. These scams often play on emotion, greed and kindness from the general public to fraud people out of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars.
Common fraud schemes include telemarketing fraud, investment schemes, foreign lotteries, advance fee schemes, the Grandparent Scam and identity theft.
Scammers will also use online buy and sell groups or businesses to solicit money or personal and confidential information.
Online buy and sell groups and businesses do their best to protect customers from scams. However, you need to do all you can to protect yourself as well.
Often money lost by victims can never be recovered. Therefore, it’s important to avoid being victimized.
Here are some tips:
Resist the pressure to act quickly.
If you are being solicited by a business, contact that business directly to find out whether or not the call or other correspondence is legitimate.
Never wire money based on a request made over the phone or in an email, especially overseas. Wiring money is like giving cash-once you send it, you can’t get it back.
Never provide personal or confidential information to anyone that you have not contacted personally. For example, if you contact your bank or credit card company regarding your account and they ask for your information.
The IFPD recommends that everyone educate themselves about the latest fraud schemes and key indicators of frauds by visiting www.fbi.gov or www.ftc.gov.
