Education

Romance Scams

This is the leading cause of scams among elderly. Scammers nowadays have voice changing technology when talking on the phone and often use fake pictures found online.

A major red flag in romance scams are constant excuses on why they can’t meet in person.

They will typically ask for money, usually gift cards. In some cases, they will try to send you money via a check, asking you to deposit it and then ask for money back in return. The money sent to you will end up being fraudulent, while they get your real money.

Do not send money to anyone that you have never met. 

Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries

You are told you won a grand prize! However, in order to receive the prize, you must send money or pay a tax.

A true sweepstakes prize will typically state “no purchase necessary”, meaning you do not have to pay anything to win the prize.

Lotteries that you purchase (Powerball, Mega-Millions, scratch-offs, etc.) will never ask for additional money to receive their prize. These lotteries also require you to redeem the winning tickets to get the prize. They will not contact you about winning the prize. 

Imposter Scams

Government Agents -

Scammers will pose as someone from the social security administration or IRS. An actual representative will NEVER ask for Social Security Numbers, PINs and passwords, credit or debit card numbers, or banking information.

Government agents always send notices via mail NOT by phone call.

Family or Friends -

Scammers will pose as family or friend. This can be done by creating fake caller IDs, fake email addresses and even fake social media accounts.

They often will create a sense of urgency, stating they are in trouble or it’s an emergency and need money as soon as possible.

To counter these scams, make sure you ask questions in order to make sure who you are talking to is actually who they say they are. Hang up and call the person they say they are back on the phone number you have for them NOT the phone number they called from.

Tech Support -

A person will call claiming that there is something wrong with your computer, email or online accounts. They will state that they can fix the issue right now over the phone.

These scammers can remotely access your computer, but only if you give them access. If they do get access, they will be able to access any and everything on your computer even after you have hung up the call.

Investments, Business or Timeshares

Scammers will invite you in to participate in a great opportunity to earn money. They will ask for money promising a great return on your investment in the future.

However, you were sold a bill of goods. They will never return and you will never get that money back.

If the offer sounds too good to be true, it is probably a scam.

Online Links & Pop-Ups - 

When on the internet, be careful what you click on. Links can be disguised as something else and take you where you don’t want to go. When using Google, look for the links that have a lock symbol by it, and avoid website that do not have a lock next to them. If a pop-up appears on a page you are trying to visit, this is a sign that that the website is not secure.

Do not click on any pop-up messages that show up, and do not always believe what the pop-up messages say.

Be especially careful with email spam. There is a lot of email spam and advertisements nowadays. Do not trust every link you are sent, especially if it is from someone you do not know. Do not help contribute to the spam email by sending or forwarding links and pictures to others. This only adds to people’s confusion of what is safe and what is not and only helps the scammers.

• Use permanent, non-erasable ink - Use black or blue gel ink to avoid "check washing". Check washing is a technic used by fraudsters to remove ink written on checks using chemicals. 

• Fill in all fields - write the full payee name, date, and amounts clearly. Leave no blank spaces for information to be added. Draw a line through any extra space in fields to prevent fraudsters from adding information. 

Proactively Manage Your Accounts

• Contact us to let us know what happened and why you suspect you have been a victim. We are here to help!

• Contact your local police department to file a police report

• For cyber crime, report it at ic3.gov

• If you believe you were a victim or identity theft, you can call the following numbers: 

  • TransUnion - (800) 680-7289

  • Equifax - (800) 525-6285

  • Experian - (888) 397-3742

  • Federal Trade Commission - (877) 382-4357

  • ND Attorney General Consumer Protection - (701) 328-3404

  • MN Attorney General Consumer Protection - (800) 657-3787