Mayor's Blog
“If it sounds too good to be true it probably is…”
Origins unknown
A significant number of Jasper and Dubois County residents have been exposed to fraud through scam artists. In addition to the mail or someone visiting your home, today’s scammer will use phone, email and the Internet to trick you into sharing money or your personal information. The Jasper Police Department joins me in sharing the Federal Trade Commissions “10 Things You Can Do – or Not Do – to Stop a Scam”:
WHAT TO DO:
KNOW WHO YOU’RE DEALING WITH
Try to find a seller’s physical address (not a P.O. Box) and phone number for it.
KNOW THAT WIRING MONEY IS LIKE SENDING CASH
Con artists often insist that people wire money, especially overseas, because it’s nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace the money. Don’t wire money to strangers or to anyone who claims to be a relative or friend in an emergency.
READ YOUR MONTHLY STATEMENTS
Scammers steal account information and then run up charges or commit crimes in your name. If you see charges you don’t recognize or didn’t okay, contact your bank, card issuer, or other creditor immediately.
AFTER A DISASTER, GIVE ONLY TO ESTABLISHED CHARITIES
In the aftermath of a disaster, give to an established charity, rather than one that has sprung up overnight.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE BUYING HEALTH PRODUCTS/TREATMENTS
Ask about research that supports a product’s claims — and possible risks or side effects. In addition, buy prescription drugs only from licensed U.S. pharmacies.
REMEMBER THERE’S NO SURE THING IN INVESTING
If someone contacts you with low-risk, high-return investment opportunities or cash up front, stay away.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
DON’T SEND MONEY TO SOMEONE YOU DON’T KNOW
It’s best to do business with merchants you know and trust. Online, type the company or product name into your favorite search engine with terms like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what comes up — on the first page of results as well as on the later pages.
DON’T AGREE TO DEPOSIT A CHECK AND WIRE MONEY BACK
By law, banks have to make funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. You’re responsible for the checks you deposit: If a check turns out to be a fake, you’re responsible for paying back the bank.
DON’T REPLY TO MESSAGES ASKING FOR PERSONAL OR FINANCIAL INFO
It doesn't matter whether the message comes as an email, a phone call, a text message, or an ad. Don’t click on links or call phone numbers included in the message, either. It’s called phishing. The crooks behind these messages are trying to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
DON’T PLAY A FOREIGN LOTTERY
It’s illegal to play a foreign lottery.
If you believe you’ve been approached by a scammer, please contact the Jasper Police Department at 812.482.2255.
Mayor Seitz
