Telephone Fraud Prevention

Telephone Fraud Information from the FBIThe Woodridge Police Department is frequently contacted by residents who have been targeted by a telephone scam in which the caller asks for personal information or money via the telephone. These callers often impersonate a family member, government or banking institutions to trick or swindle the victim. The Woodridge Police Department has subsequently provided information from the FBI on how to protect yourself and your family from these scams.

Information from the FBI:

When you send money to people you do not know personally or give personal or financial information to unknown callers, you increase your chances of becoming a victim of telemarketing fraud. Here are some warning signs of telemarketing fraud—what a caller may tell you:

• “You must act ‘now’ or the offer won’t be good.”
•  “You’ve won a ‘free’ gift, vacation, or prize.” But you have to pay for “postage and handling” or other charges.
• “You must send money, give a credit card or bank account number, or have a check picked up by courier.” You may hear this before you have had a chance to consider the offer carefully.
• “You don’t need to check out the company with anyone.” The callers say you do not need to speak to anyone including your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better Business Bureau, or consumer protection agency.
• “You don’t need any written information about their company or their references.”
• “You can’t afford to miss this ‘high-profit, no-risk’ offer.”

If you hear these or similar “lines” from a telephone salesperson, just say “no thank you” and hang up the telephone. If they continue to call, report the harassment to a police officer by calling 9-1-1.