Mayor's Message -- November 2020

A few months ago a friend stopped in my office crying.  She told me her nephew was arrested in Florida and needed money for bail.  She was going to the bank to get a bank check because she was told the bail could only be paid by a bank check sent overnight or wire transfer.  She was convinced this was real because the caller had personal information about her family.  When asked to speak with her nephew she was told she could not speak with him because he was in jail.  Luckily my friend contacted me before going to the bank.  I called the police department in Florida to confirm the situation.  We found out that this was a scam!

ALERT! Don't be a victim of a scam.  Seniors are most vulnerable but everyone, regardless of age, can be a victim.  A scam can be initiated via computer, text, mail, telephone call, and in-person.  Whichever way the scam is initiated, the characteristics are the same, i.e: something said or written piques your interest; the person contacting you seems to care; and there is an urgency, act fast, there is a deadline.

The most common scams:

1. Grandparent scam--caller claims to be a relative in an urgent situation, out of town and in trouble.  Somehow the person contacting you has learned facts about your family that make it sound real. DO NOT ACT.  CALL OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY. 
2. Sweepstakes scam--You won!  But to claim your prize you are told to send a check or  money order to cover taxes and fees..REMEMBER: legitimate contests do not ask for money up front.  Do not send a check.  In addition to losing the money you paid, the scammer be able to obtain your banking information.
3. Home Improvement scam--Person or persons arrive at your home claiming to offer services at a reduced price.  They want to gain access into your home.  Never, never, allow an unknown or uninvited person into your home and be suspicious of unsolicited offers.
4. When you hire someone to work on your house, never pay the full amount amount up-front.  Remember the phrase, "Pay as you go."
5. Telemarketer scam--caller tries to obtain your personal information.  Never commit over the telephone.  Scammers "mask" telephone numbers so you think you are speaking with someone who is calling from a local and  telephone number.
6. Internet scams--Never give out your user name and password.  Keep your personal identifiers to yourself.  Don't be fooled especially when instructed to click on the link for your special offer.
7. Charity scams--Donate to a known charity.  Verify.

When in doubt, call our Oakland Police Department.  There are websites which can provide information, such as,

• www.cisecurity.org/newsletter/how-to-spot-and-avoid-common-scams/
• www.guidestar.org/
• www.charitynavigator.org/

Stay safe and be alert.

Linda H. Schwager

Mayor of Oakland