Tag Archives: Telephone Scam

FRAUD ALERT – Phone Call with Person Posing as Sheriff Deputy

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is getting reports of fraudulent phone calls in which the person is claiming to be a Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputy and claiming to be calling about an outstanding warrant. The person goes on to say that you need to pay to take care of the outstanding warrant. THIS IS A SCAM – DO NOT FALL FOR THIS SCAM!

Unfortunately – Phone Scams have become a part of everyday life – so protect yourself by being informed.

  • Scammers often pose as real people affiliated with financial institutes, police officers, court officers, utility companies, credit card company, IRS, computer company, voter registration agency, a distant relative in need of help, etc. – they often use “authority” type positions to “bully” and “scare” people into falling victim to their scam. DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR DATE OF BIRTH, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION UNLESS YOU ARE SURE YOU ARE SPEAKING WITH A LEGITIMATE AGENT.
  • Scammers also use “feel good” scams and pose as a volunteer asking for donations for a charity, as a company offering you a prize, as a lawyer trying to contact you over an inheritance, as an agency offering to help you fix your credit. THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE VARIATIONS OF SCAMS THEY COME UP WITH – IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS
  • Scammers often “spoof” phone numbers to show up on caller ID to look like they are legitimate agency or local numbers
  • Scammers often ask for payment through Green Dot, Gift Cards, Smart Cards – The Sheriff’s Office would never ask you to pay a fine in this way. If they ask that payment be mailed to an address or post office box, you can confirm using the phone book or official web page of the agency if it is a legitimate address of the agency
  • Be very careful not to give out your personal information – even guard your phone number. Many phone apps actually access all of your contact information (the little “I accept” fine print when you download an app) which then gives an app developer access to information on your phone which they may then sell – This allows scammers to know your network of friends and to pose as them.
  • Be wary of calling back the number listed on caller ID (or replying to a text message) unless you can verify it’s legitimate. For example – you would want to use the phone number on the back of your credit card rather than a phone number provider by a caller to confirm whether what the caller told you was legitimate
  • Use Government pages in the phone book or the agency’s official website to get the official phone number to call back.

DON’T FALL VICTIM TO PHONE SCAMS

PROTECT YOURSELF:

  1. – Ask for written information
  2. – Ask a lot of questions
  3. – Check out the company on the Better Business Bureau
  4. – Tell the caller to put you on their do not call list
  5. – DO NOT SEND a check, cash, money wire, or give out your account information to anyone insisting immediate payment with which you did not initiate the contact

REPORT SCAMS TO YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

SCAM ADVISORY – Recent Scam Targeting Mental Health Providers

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – Today we’ve received at least two phone calls from mental health providers who have received fraudulent phone calls saying that they are being contacted regarding an emergency. In both cases, the scammer spoofed a legitimate phone number of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (928-226-5009) and the caller ID information (Coconino Cnty).

The scammer contacted them via their Psychology Today services. The scammer claimed to be an officer with the Sheriff’s Office (although he may vary this approach and use other aliases). The scammer said he was calling regarding an urgent or emergency situation. He provided a non-legitimate phone number requesting call back.

Variations of the scam may include claims that there is a pending lawsuit or civil issue that needs immediate attention. It is our belief that the scammer hopes the intended victim will call him on the phone number he leaves in his message rather than calling back to an official Sheriff’s Office number. It is likely the scammer is intending to fraudulently obtain either personal information or some type of payment from you.

Consider looking up and calling the legitimate (e.g. official website verified) phone number of an agency to verify claims made by the person calling you. Phone scammers are likely hoping you will try to call them back on other phone numbers they provide which then may compromise your private cell or home phone numbers to be used in their future scam schemes. Do not allow them to bully you.

Call the Sheriff’s Office on one of our legitimate phone numbers to report scams or if you have questions. Visit us at coconino.az.gov/sheriff for legitimate information on how to contact our office.

PHONE SCAM ALERT

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino Sheriff’s Office is warning that they are getting new reports of scams like ones that have hit our area in the past.

In the most recent report, The scammer represented himself as a police officer and used the name of one of the staff of the Coconino County Sherif’s office.

The scammer also provided names of local judges and their clerks to make his scam personalized to our judicial system. He spoke of state statutes and court dates and told the caller to go to Target or Walmart to get Smart Cards or Gift Cards to pay the fines. The scammer had spoofed the phone number so that it looked like a real Sheriff’s Office phone number, but provided a different call back number than the official Sheriff’s Office or Court numbers.

Remember: No legitimate court, judge, deputy, or police officer would ever have someone pay fines in this manner. Do not fall victim to these types of scams. Hang up and call the Sheriff’s Office (928-774-4523, extension 1) or Flagstaff Police Department (928-774-1414, option 1) to report suspicious phone calls.

You can also file a complaint with the FCC.

Coconino County Sheriff warns against phone scams in the area

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – Every few months, scammers re-try their tactics within a community they’ve already hit. Recent reports to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office include receiving a phone call from what the caller ID shows as a local phone number. The person initiating the call fraudulently represents themselves as from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. The most recent scam the caller says you need to personally appear at the Sheriff’s Office. Don’t fall victim. Do some research and follow up directly with the agency the scammer claims to represent—do not call back the phone number the suspicious phone call came from.

In most cases, the caller eventually uses scare tactics to compel the person to make a payment for a ticket or warrant that does not exist. The caller may request that you use green dot or a similar a pre-paid card, wire transfer or other means. Sometimes scammers ask for a monetary donation (such as for a fraternal order or police). Others scams include people fraudulently representing themselves as utility companies threatening to shut off services if you do not make immediate payment through a green dot card or some other nontraditional utility payment.

These scammers also make you believe they are legitimate because they have personal information about you. Remember that there are many websites and publicly available databases that unfortunately make your personal information easily accessible to anyone.

Please be aware that scammers can spoof phone numbers and caller ID information to make their scam appear to be from a legitimate source. They may even pretend to be someone who actually works for our agency by using a legitimate employee’s name. If you suspect a call is fraudulent, hang up and call our office. The most recent scam phone number reported is 928-318-8755 and a person with a southern accent calling.

Don’t Fall Victim to Phone Scammer Claiming to be Law Enforcement Officer

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – The Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of telephone scams in which the scammer is using the names of known law enforcement personnel to try to legitimize his scam. The callers use different bullying techniques such claiming your have an outstanding warrant or citation or court date. They also may use scare tactics such as claiming to send an officer to your home to arrest you if you do not pay immediately.

One of the names being used fraudulently is that of our Detention Commander Matt Figueroa. Remember, legitimate law enforcement will never call demanding money/payments be made through pre-paid credit cards, money wire transfers or the like.

Don’t fall victim to the bullying techniques of these scammers. File a police report by contacting our Dispatch Center at (928) 774-4523, option 1. Learn more about preventing yourself from becoming a victim to these kinds of scams on our webpage: http://www.coconino.az.gov/356/Fraud-Awareness.

Fraudulent phone calls being made to Flagstaff

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF — Over the past 24-48 hours, the Coconino County Sheriff’s has received multiple reports of fraudulent schemes which we are investigating. Don’t fall victim to these or other fraudulent schemes. Be aware that scammers often use fear and bullying tactics to coerce the victims.

One of the schemes reported is an individual calling on the telephone representing himself as a law enforcement or court official. In some cases the person has used the names of legitimate law enforcement officials and in other cases a fictitious name. The caller claims that either the victim or a member of the victim’s family has either failed to appear for jury duty or other court matters, failed to pay a fine, or has a warrant. The fraudulent schemer demands that money be paid immediately usually through pre-paid credit cards or money wire transfers, or else the person will be arrested. In some of the cases, he advises the person to stay on the phone, and if they disconnect the phone call or fail to do as instructed, he will immediately send Deputies to their home to arrest them.

In another fraudulent scheme, victims are contacting law enforcement advising they have found vehicles for sale via the internet at fictitious business in and around northern Arizona. These fictitious businesses often have what appear to be legitimate websites showing the fictitious business at a legitimate address. Victims have sent money for full or partial payment of vehicles only to find the business and or vehicle do not exist as advertised. The most recent listed a county maintenance yard and previously an auto salvage yard as the dealership address.

The third scheme we have received reports of recently is from people who have been using dating websites. They are contacted by someone who at first seems to be legitimate and of appropriate age. Later the person begins sending sexual photos and engaging in sexual conversation only to later claim to be underage. The victim is contacted by someone misrepresenting themselves as law enforcement (either a legitimate or fictitious name) or the under aged person’s parent demanding money to avoid prosecution.
Continue reading →

Over 200 Residents of Flagstaff and Coconino County Reported Telephone Scams since January

Posted on by

phoneFLAGSTAFF – Since January 1, 2014 Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Flagstaff Police Department have responded to over 200 citizen reports involving fraudulent requests for money or personal information. Unfortunately there are likely many more of our citizens who may have been or will be the target of these types of scams. All too often, these are not legitimate phone calls and our citizens find themselves drawn into a criminal’s scam. Investigating these scams is very difficult because the criminals may be in a different country, use throw away phone numbers, re-routed internet addresses, and many other means to keep themselves from being tracked. While we will continue to investigate these reports, it is important for citizens to be aware of the tactics these criminals use and to take steps to protect you.

The schemes often involve being contacted by phone, text, or mail and on face value may seem legitimate. The caller often says they are representing a legitimate organization (such as Microsoft, Sheriff’s Office, Police Department, Court Officers, Federal Government, Grant Agencies, IRS, Sweepstakes, Loan Services, Credit Card Companies, Utility Companies, buyer from Craigslist, Fundraiser for Veterans or other groups, etc.). They use names, letterhead, envelopes, and websites that look and sound legitimate. They may even have some basic information about you such as your address or vehicle.

In addition to pretending to be from a legitimate agency, they also may use the name of a person who really works for that agency. We received reports of people pretending to be some variation of a rank (Officer, Lieutenant, Sergeant, etc.) with the last name of Willis, Hull, Harris, Rodriquez, Barnes, Blair, and Jackson. But these are only examples, and a scammer may come up with other titles and names. They often provide a call back number luring you into trusting them. These numbers may or may not work, and may even be the actual number of the agency. However, a phone call to the main number of the agency (one that you verified as the number of the agency) can help you determine if their story is legitimate.

Of the over 200 reports made to Flagstaff Police and Coconino County Sheriff’s, there are many variations of these fraudulent calls and mailings.

  • Scammers have used high pressure techniques such as demanding that you purchase a pre-paid money card (GreenDot, Cashier Check, Money Pak, wire transfer, etc.) to avoid being arrested on a warrant for anything ranging from missing jury duty to failure to pay a citation. In the case of IRS scams, they may say you owe back taxes and need to pay immediately or be arrested.
  • Often they use scare tactics such as saying someone has hacked into your computer and they need access and payment to fix the issue. They may threaten to shut off your electricity or gas immediately if you don’t make a payment.
  • Some of the cases have involved the victim being contact by phone or mail informing them that they have won an award, sweepstakes or grant. The scammer asks for a payment or deposit security to cover legal or other fees.
  • Several of the reports were that the caller pretended to be a relative who is in jail in a foreign country and needs money. Still other reports are that the scammer actually sends a check or money order but then claims something went wrong and needs a refund.
  • Some scammers claimed to be a representative of a loan or mortgage company requiring a down payment or personal information. Sometimes they will even send you a check to deposit. Only after the victim later sends payments does he/she find out that the original check was fraudulent and they are now out of money.
  • Craigslist scams are also common. These include people fraudulently posting rental units and accepting money for the rent, someone submitting a fraudulent payment and later requesting partial of full reimbursement, and numerous other schemes.

Obviously criminals are limited only by their imagination on methods of separating you from your hard earned cash or personal information. Whether you are contacted by phone, text, email, or mail, these scammers are trying to get you to give up personal information (social security number, bank accounts, etc.) or make a payment. They will do almost anything to make themselves look legitimate.

The men and women of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Flagstaff Police Department would like to remind you of some tips on how you may be able to avoid becoming a victim to a greedy criminal.

If you receive a suspicious phone call that you suspect is a scam, please contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 774-4523 or the Flagstaff Police Department at (928) 774-1414.

In the event a caller claims they represent a government agency or a company, you are advised to look independently for that agency’s/company’s main phone number in a phone book or online and confirm the caller’s story.

  • Don’t just ask if a person by that name works for that agency; ask to speak with that person and/or ask for confirmation about the information the caller claimed to be representing.

Be aware that unscrupulous phone callers frequently use the following tactics:

  • A high-pressure sales approach, urging you to “act now” or the offer won’t be available later.
  • Offer you something that sounds too good to be true, such as a “no-risk investment.”
  • Ask for your credit card or checking account numbers or other personal financial information.
  • Tell you that you have won a “prize” that you have to pay taxes or shipping for in advance.
  • Ask you to send money right away, through a wire service or overnight delivery. Fraudulent callers will sometimes offer to pick up the money from your home.

What you can do to avoid being scammed:

  • Don’t be afraid to hang up on a caller who uses high-pressure tactics or threats
  • Keep your financial information to yourself. Never give out credit card, checking or savings account information to anyone who calls you, as it is not difficult for someone with this data to draft money from your account.
  • Ask the caller to send you information about their product or services. Legitimate companies are often happy to mail you a pamphlet or brochure about what they sell. (With this being said, don’t hesitate to cross check information you receive in the mail as well)
  • Place your name on the national Do Not Call List.
  • Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

To deal with unwanted telemarketing calls at home or on your cell phone:

  • Place your name on the national Do Not Call List set up by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Registration is free and you can register either online at www.donotcall.gov or toll free from the number you wish to register at (888) 382-1222 TTY: (866) 290-4236.

Telephone scams come home

Posted on by

UPDATED: 1:31 pm
phoneCOCONINO COUNTY—The Coconino County Sheriff’s Department has released a warning about a new telephone scam in Coconino. An individual identifying himself as “Lieutenant Mike Harris” of the Sheriff’s Office Warrant Division.

Harris asks to speak to a specific person informing them that they have failed to appear in court on a photo-radar speeding ticket. Harris tells the person that they are in the process of issuing an arrest warrant for their failure to appear in court. He instructs the intended victim to go to a local retail outlet to obtain a $250 “Green Dot” pre-paid credit card.

Harris has also been known to advise some intended victims to stay on the phone or he will send deputies to arrest them.

Deputy Gerry Blair of Coconino County Sheriff’s Department is advising that they do not have an employee by the name of Mike Harris. Deputy Blair also noted that this person does not specifically say that he is with any specific Sheriff’s office. So it is difficult to say where these calls are originating from. Legitimate Sheriff’s Deputies do not call for any money on a warrant or to collect fines. Those calls most likely will originate in the court with jurisdiction over the crime. In addition, they do not use photo-radar as a speed enforcement tool.

Unscrupulous phone callers frequently use several methods to accomplish their goals. High-pressure sales tactics claiming that if you do not act now, the offer won’t be available later or offering something that sounds too good to be true with a “no-risk involvement.” Anyone unknown person asking for credit, checking account or other personal financial information should be suspect in your mind. Some will tell you that you have won a prize, but that you will have to pay taxes or shipping or both up front. Usually they will ask you to send money through a wire service or overnight delivery, but apparently will sometimes offer to pick the money up from your home.

There are suggested strategies to protect yourself. First, if it sounds too good, it usually is. Never give out any information to anyone you do not know. You can ask the caller for a call-back phone number (and even then be suspicious) and ask them to send you information on their product or services through the mail.

You can also place your name on the national Do Not Call List. This prevents telemarketing calls, but may not prevent a scammer from using the telephone directory, Internet or other sources to find your number.

If you have an MP3 recorder and receive a suspicious phone call, you can record the conversation. If you receive one from supposed law enforcement, ask for badge number and other identifying information. Ask as many questions as you can think of until the person gets suspicious or you decide to hang up.

You can report the incident to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 774-4523, the Flagstaff Police Department at (928) 774-1414, the Williams Police Department at (928) Police Department 635-4461 or other appropriate local police department.