Helpful information provided by RPD and our Community Resource Officer Jacob Underwood (Jacob.Underwood@roanokeva.gov) for distribution to NiSR.
Hang up on SCAMS!
4 Tips to Identify a scam:
1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know.
2. Scammers say there's a PROBLEM or a PRIZE.
3. Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately.
4. Scammers tell you to PAY IN A SPECIFIC WAY.
Tips to protect yourself:
1. DON'T GIVE your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn't expect.
2. RESIST THE PRESSURE to act immediately.
3. NEVER PAY someone who insists you pay with a gift card or by using a money transfer service.
4. STOP AND TALK to someone you trust. Or call 911!
For more information, contact Roanoke City Police at (540) 853-2212.
Beware of investment scams, too!
Here's how investment scams work:
You see an infomercial, or an ad online, saying you can learn how to make lots of money. lt sounds quick, easy, and low risk - and it might involve investing in financial or real estate markets.
The company says their system is "proven" and they even have testimonials from people who've used their system and gotten rich. But those people could be paid actors and their reviews could be made up.
All investments have risks. No one can guarantee a specific return on an investment. And nobody can guarantee that an investment will be successful. Anyone who does promise you a guaranteed return at low or no risk is a scammer.
Here's what to do:
1. Stop. Take time to research the offer. Scammers want to rush you into a decision. Slow down. Search online for the name of the company and words like "review," scam," or "complaint."
2. Pass this information on to a friend. You may not have gotten an offer like this, but chances are, you know someone who has.
Please Report Scams
lf you spot a scam, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
Go on line: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Call the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or TTY 1-866-653-4261
Your report can help protect other people. By reporting fraud, you can help the FTC's investigators identify the scammers and stop them before they can get someone's hard-earned money. lt really makes a difference.
Want to know more?
Sign up for Consumer Alerts at ftc.gov/ConsumerAlerts.