Don’t
be a victim of scams
or financial fraud
Lincoln County Sheriff's investigator
Kelly Paris checks a soda can for
prints as part of a demonstration on
investigations at the 2011 Citizens
Academy.
October
18, 2011 -- When it comes to
scams and identity theft, Lincoln
County Sheriff’s investigative
Lt. Tim Johnson said to be vigilant
to avoid becoming a victim.
“If you haven’t visited
Canada, for example, then how can you
win in the Canadian lottery,”
asked Johnson. “Why would
someone send you $2,500 then have you
wire $1,100 back and keep the rest as
winnings?”
“It used to not be so bad but
everyone has been warned for years
about these scams. And people are
still falling (for them).”
Johnson said to be careful about
making purchases online.
“Sometimes, you are okay,”
said Johnson. “It’s better,
however, to buy locally than
online.”
“It’s simple,” said
Johnson. “Whether it is credit
cards or your bank account, keep
track of what you have got. People
can find out pretty quick if you are
a victim.”
Johnson said victims of identity
fraud have to do most of the work on
their own including paperwork and
contacting financial institutions.
Self protection is the best defense
against scams and identity theft.
“When you come to us, you are
going to have to provide us with
information,” said Johnson.
“If something happened in
Louisiana, for example, there
isn’t much we can do.”
One woman in Denver, for example, had
her card on her. However, she
discovered the card was used in
Pennsylvania. Johnson said they just
happened to come up with the
woman’s credit card number.
“The agency where the incident
happened can help victims the
most,” said Johnson. “Make
sure you are careful with what you do
with your identity.”
Johnson spoke on tips to avoid
becoming a victim of either identity
fraud or scams as part of the
Citizens Academy through the Lincoln
County Sheriff’s Office.
Telemarketing fraud can also occur
easily, especially in today’s
economic climate.
“If someone calls asking for
your social security number or bank
account information, then this is
someone you should not be talking
to,” said Johnson. “Your
bank or insurance company has all the
information they need.”
For more information on
how to prevent becoming a victim of
identity theft or fraud, visit the
Web site www.consumer.gov/idtheft.