Call 4 Action
New phone scams targeting consumers
MILWAUKEE - It's happening again. New phone scams are on the rise.
How are people getting taken?
Some of these scams include:
- Phony debt collectors that scare people into paying for a debt that they may not owe.
- Scam artists posing as government agencies trying to scare people that they will be arrested if money is not paid.
- Schemes that involve vacation packages that are being offered for free or little to no cost.
- Scammers claiming to be with a senior organization, with confusing offers for security devices.
Sadly, people are falling for these schemes due to fear, pressure to act immediately, a desire to get a good deal, and to be part of something that a scammer claims everyone is buying.
How can people spot these scams and avoid getting taken?
Be on your guard at all times.
If the caller is pushy, the call or offer is confusing, or seems too good to be true, do not take any action such as making a payment, providing personal information, or agreeing to anything until you have time to check things out.
Ask questions and ask them to mail more information about a debt or special offer. If they refuse to cooperate, hang up. The longer they have you on the line, the more likely they will be to persist with the scam.
If you get one of these or other suspicious calls, what should you do?
Report it to consumer agencies and our Call 4 Action office immediately.
Your information will help us to help others.
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