TWINSBURG COMMUNITY SERVICE BUREAU Senior Scam Workshop Presented by Officer Ron Fruscella and Officer Greg Kopniske
CURRENT SCAMS IN TWINSBURG The I.R.S. Microsoft Driveway Roof Check
I.R.S. SCAM Scammers call you under the guise of verifying tax return/refund information. They claim they have your tax return, and they just need to verify a few details to process it. Scammers want your personal information, such as: a social security number, bank numbers, or credit card info.
I.R.S. SCAM The I.R.S. never: Threaten to have you arrested for not paying your taxes, Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone, Require you to use a specific payment for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
MICROSOFT SCAM You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be with Microsoft. They tell you that your computer is running slow or needs to be cleaned out They will then ask you to open your computer so they can do repairs.
MICROSOFT SCAM In truth, they are trying add Malware to your computer. Malware is a program that can cause your computer to crash, monitor and control your online activity, and steal your personal information.
MICROSOFT SCAM Local City At 2:06 p.m. on 3-25-16 I received a call from an unknown phone number, claiming to be from Microsoft Corporation. It was a male with a foreign accent telling me that my computer was sending malicious information out on the Internet.
MICROSOFT SCAM He wanted me to get in front of my computer so he could tell me what to do. When I told him I would handle the issue myself he said *** you and hung up on me.
DRIVEWAY SCAM A person knocks on your door and tells you he just finished repairing a neighbor s driveway. He has extra material and notices your driveway needs some work.
DRIVEWAY SCAM He doesn't want the material to go to waste, so he offers you an incredible deal to repair your driveway. Only if you take the offer now and pay in cash!
ROOF SCAM Under the disguise of a free roof inspection, the scammer will go onto your roof and fabricate damage to mimic storm damage.
ROOF SCAM The scammer will present a photo showing roof damage (from a different home) and claim it came from your roof. tear off shingles to simulate wind damage or use a hammer to fabricate hail damage.
TIPS Remember: a roof is done, on the average, once or twice in a person s lifetime. Do not agree to give a down payment. A reputable contractor will not be afraid to commit to the project with their own money.
TIPS If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, ask the contractor to leave. Ask for references before having the work done. Call your insurance company for references and estimates.
CHECK FRAUD April 25, 2015 at South Daytona, FL Police arrested 47 year-old Lori Souza for stealing mail from several mail boxes using stolen personal information for identity fraud
Check Fraud Police think Souza stole the mail in order to steal identities and use them for fake credit cards. One victim stated It s an easy target-a mailbox-nobody really polices it. It s an easier crime than breaking in and stealing something from a store or a house.
Check Fraud DO NOT put cash, checks for bills, or any document with your personal information in your mailbox Any one can go into your mailbox and take that information Use a secured mailbox at the local post office for sensitive mail
Preventing Scams You are allowed to hang up the phone. You are allowed to be rude. If it sounds too good to be true then assume it is too good to be true! DO NOT give any personal information over the phone or in an e-mail. Monitor your bank records and financial accounts DO NOT be afraid to mention anything you believe to be a scam to family, friends, or the police.
Preventing Scams If you are inviting strangers into your home, such as cleaning people, healthcare aides, anyone to help with house projects, make sure to place your valuables in a secure setting.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH A Twinsburg family goes on vacation. When they return, they find their front door completely broken out from the frame.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH A neighbor states that they saw a white van parked in front of the residence. They add that the van was out of place and did not belong in the neighborhood. They did not call the police.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH Another neighbor states that as he was taking his trash out, he heard a loud noise, described as breaking or shattering. When he looked towards the noise he noticed something moving close to the front door. The police were not called.
WATCH OUT FOR THESE ACTIVITIES Any vehicles that seem out of place for your neighborhood Vehicles moving slowly without lights Unusual or suspicious noises Solicitors without proper documentation
Someone removing property from unoccupied residences Any activity in your neighborhood that seems strange to you