Scammers sometimes pretend to be government officials to get you to send them money. They might promise lottery winnings if you pay “taxes” or other fees, or they might threaten you with arrest or a lawsuit if you don’t pay a supposed debt. Regardless of their tactics, their goal is the same: to get you to send them money.
Don’t do it. Federal government agencies and federal employees don’t ask people to send money for prizes or unpaid loans. Nor are they permitted to ask you to wire money or add money to a prepaid debit card to pay for anything.
Before you get caught in this type of scam, look for indicators:
- You’ve “Won” a Lottery or Sweepstakes – Someone claiming to be a government official calls, telling you that you’ve won a federally supervised lottery or sweepstakes.
- You Owe a Fake Debt – You might get a call or an official-looking letter that has your correct name, address and Social Security number. Often, fake debt collectors say they’re with a law firm or a government agency — for example, the FTC, the IRS or a sheriff’s office. Then, they threaten to arrest you or take you to court if you don’t pay on a debt you supposedly owe.
Five Ways to Beat a Government Imposter Scam:
- Don’t wire money.
- Don’t pay for a prize.
- Don’t give the caller your financial or other personal information.
- Don’t trust a name or number.
- Put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Register your phone number at donotcall.gov.
At Telco Credit Union, we know how important it is to protect your finances and your personal information. Be vigilant when it comes to scams and frauds. Telco serves the Eastern North Carolina area, including Greenville, Tarboro, and Rocky Mount. You can trust Telco with all your financial needs, whether you’re looking to open a checking or savings account, take out a loan, finance your mortgage, or become a Telco member/owner.