Law enforcement warn of robocalls, other scams this holiday season

Tis the season for scams. Local shoppers, especially those making purchase online or by telephone, should be wary of suspicious calls from scammers impersonating legitimate businesses such as Amazon, Apple or PayPal.

The individuals are most often trying to steal your money.

"The biggest thing is if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is too good to be true," said Cambridge Police Capt. Dave Peoples. "Very few, if any, legitimate companies will call you and request money because they know about the scams."

Peoples said not to be afraid to find a number for the company and call them directly to confirm the offer or alleged issue being touted by scammers often using illegal robocalls.

Customer service contact information can typically be found on the company’s website.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost recently issued a scam warning regarding such calls placed under the guise of wanting to help remedy a situation, such as a large purchase has been charged to a credit card.

“Legitimate companies don’t do business this way, so just hang up,” Yost said. “These impostors want to get you on the line and cause panic so you cough up personal information. My hope is that you will answer by ending the call.”

According to the Federal Trade Commission, various Amazon impersonation scams are occupying telephone lines across the country.

The “representative” then persuades the consumer to give remote access to a device or account so they can issue an alleged refund. Instead, the scammer gains access to the consumer’s personal identifying information.

The scammer may also persuade the victim to buy gift cards as a way of stopping the unauthorized purchase.

On Amazon’s website, company guidelines make clear employees would never call a customer to seek personal information or discuss a refund the customer isn’t expecting.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office offers these tips to help consumers:

• Hang up if you receive a cold call from someone claiming that you have purchased an item from Amazon or another popular online retailer. Do not call back the number on your caller ID or the phone number mentioned in the message. Instead, if you are concerned about the supposed purchase, contact the retailer using its legitimate phone number or email address.

• Carefully examine the details of your online account purchases and credit card bills for any unauthorized charges. If you see an unauthorized charge, report it immediately to your credit card company.

• Never allow a stranger to remotely access your smartphone, tablet or computer.

• Be highly suspicious of requests from a stranger to buy gift cards as payment for any product or service as part of a refund process or to allegedly help stop fraud or a person in need. Once you disclose a gift card’s PIN to someone, that person will be able to access the money on the card.

The Better Business Bureau also warns consumers to keep an eye out for red flags in the digital marketplace as part of the Shop Safe, Shop Smart campaign while shopping online this year.

The following tips were offered by the BBB of Central Ohio:

• Beware of fake websites and false offers. A website may seem official but a seemingly professional image or appearance does not make it an official business. See the BBB’s tips for identifying a fake website.

• Read the fine print. Retailers may offer an impressive percentage off an item or service only for surprise fees to be added once a consumer gives their payment information.

• Watch out for toy and other merchandise scams. Some popular toys and gaming consoles are at the top of the list this year, but be careful with any items you find being sold outside a reputable retailer. Be sure to check the business’ BBB profile when researching the online retailer prior to purchasing.

• Be mindful of social media ads. Scams including everything from counterfeit merchandise to false charities have been reported to use social media advertising as a way to lure consumers.
  

Visit BBB.org/OnlineShopping for more information on ways to protect yourself and your identity this holiday season.

Peoples said local law enforcement often does not have the resources or jurisdiction to investigate such a crime, but officers will take a report if necessary.

"In many cases, these crimes are committed outside our jurisdiction and often they are committed overseas," said Peoples. "We hate to hear anyone in the community was the victim of a scam and if you need a report, especially for a bank, it is not a problem to make a report."

For more information, call the Cambridge Police Department, 740-439-4431, or Guernsey County Sheriff's Office, 740-439-4455.

If you’ve fallen victim to a business impostor scam by disclosing personal identifying information, download the Ohio Attorney General’s ID Theft Basics publication and visit www.identitytheft.gov for help on how to proceed.

Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 1-800-282-0515.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Law enforcement warn of robocalls, other scams this holiday season