PENNSYLVANIA (WOLF) — Pennsylvania State Police are warning the public about a phone scam in the area.
According to PSP Troop N, the scammers contact their victims by phone and tell them that someone close to them is in trouble, in jail, or may be going to jail.
The scammers may even mention specific names, police said. The scammers reportedly often say, “Don’t talk to anyone about this, your family will be embarrassed.”
The caller then says that the loved one is being released from prison in exchange for cash. He asks for an address where he can pick up the money and sends a courier to pick it up.
Troopers has provided tips you can follow to avoid becoming a victim of a scam:
- Don’t feel pressured to pay for something or to someone. First, do your research and discuss it with a friend or family member.
- Do not give out confidential information over the phone. For example, your social security number or bank account number.
- Never put money in your mailbox or on your doorstep for someone to pick up.
- Do not give anyone remote access to your devices.
- Never pay anyone with gift cards – it is a scam.
- Remember: just because someone says they are from a certain “company” does not mean that this is actually the case.
- If you think a call might be a scam or you are asked for confidential information, hang up.
- Scams can also occur via email. If many words are misspelled, it may be a scam. Always pay attention to the email address the message was sent from. If you do not recognize it, do not reply or open attachments.
- Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t give away your hard-earned money so quickly. Call your family members directly to make sure they’re OK.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, contact your local police.
