Fraud, Scams & Identity Theft
Fraud, scams and identity theft are crimes that happen to people everyday. Criminals are working the phones, on the internet and in some cases going door-to-door in an effort to trick people; to make a bogus sales pitch to get your money or gain access to your personal information so they can defraud you or others.
Scammers often ask for personal financial information such as the victim's credit card number, bank account number, date of birth or social security number as a condition for making a purchase or claiming a prize. You should be extremely wary of anyone requesting this sort of personal information. When you give personal or financial information to unknown parties on the phone or online, you increase your chances of becoming a victim of fraud. These predators make random calls and send emails in hopes of making contact with victims. Sadly, the elderly and others who can least afford to lose their money are usually their main targets.
Remember, it's never rude to wait and think about an offer. Con artists will often pressure their victims to divulge personal information because it's a "limited time offer." Be sure to talk over big prize offers or investment opportunities offered over the telephone with a trusted friend, family member, or financial advisor. If an offer sounds too good to be true; it probably is!
If you believe you have been solicited by a scammer, or have been a victim of fraud or identity theft, contact the Ottumwa Police Department at 641 - 683- 0661.
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"Looks Too Good To Be True" Website
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