DA's office warns of proliferation of scams
Consumers have reported to the Northwestern District Attorney's Office Consumer Protection Unit that they have received calls from scammers identifying themselves as an employee of the Hampshire and Franklin County Sheriff’s Offices demanding payment for court charges.
Scammers may identify themselves by name, saying that they are in the Civil Division, and threaten the consumer by saying that he or she has broken the law by not reporting for a federal grand jury. These calls may sound very real and can be intimidating, especially if the caller claims to be from law enforcement or a government agency.
"The best thing to do is to hang up, if anyone demands money, payment with gift cards or threatens you," Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan said.
Consumers shouldn't trust their caller ID, Sullivan said. It’s best to let any unexpected calls go to voicemail.
It's a busy time of the year for scammers.
"We have been hearing about computer scams, where someone calls or emails and says there is a problem with your computer and offers to help; fake package delivery notices (Amazon, Fed Ex, UPS) or fake account problems (Amazon, PayPal, credit card) by email or text message," Consumer Specialist Anita Wilson said.
Wilson said consumers are still getting calls from scammers saying they are from the Social Security Administration. The caller ID might say Social Security Administration or it may look like it’s coming from your neighbor.
"I got a call last week and recognized the name, so I picked up the phone. It was a robocall," Wilson said.
More people are at home so they may be getting more calls or might be more likely to pick up the phone especially if it looks like a neighbor calling. They may be busier getting ready for the holidays and may not be as careful or as diligent in verifying information before reacting to a phone call or text.
"People are also doing more shopping online so it could be easier to get fooled by package delivery or account scams," Wilson said.
New scams coming
The Federal Trade Commission is already warning of COVID-19 vaccine-related scams and advises consumers of the following:
- You likely will not need to pay anything out of pocket to get the vaccine during this public health emergency.
- You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.
- You can’t pay to get early access to the vaccine.
- No one from a vaccine distribution site or health care payer, like a private insurance company, will call you asking for your Social Security number or your credit card or bank account information to sign you up to get the vaccine.
- Beware of providers offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the virus. Check with your health care provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment.
- If you get a call, text, email — or even someone knocking on your door — claiming they can get you early access to the vaccine, STOP. That’s a scam. Don’t pay for a promise of vaccine access or share personal information. Instead, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or file a complaint with your state or territory attorney general through consumerresources.org, the consumer website of the National Association of Attorneys General.
Consumers can learn about more scams that have been reported locally by reading the Consumer Scam Sheet at the Northwestern District Attorney's website at NorthwesternDA.org. More information about scams is included in the 2021 NWDA Consumer Protection Calendar.