Berks County law enforcement agencies have reported an increase in fraud and scam activity throughout the county. Scammers continue to use a variety of tactics to obtain money, personal information, and access to financial accounts.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and cautious when receiving unexpected phone calls, emails, text messages, or social media offers, even when the caller appears to be using a familiar phone number or local area code.

Common Scams Being Reported

Bank Impersonation Scams

Scammers may impersonate representatives from a bank or financial institution and claim that an account has been compromised. Victims may be instructed to withdraw money and deposit it into a cryptocurrency ATM or hand cash over to a courier in a parking lot or other location. Legitimate financial institutions will not instruct customers to move their money in this manner.

Grandparent and Family Emergency Scams

Scammers may target older adults by using AI-generated or cloned voices to impersonate a child, grandchild, or other family member. The caller may claim to need immediate financial assistance because of a medical emergency, legal trouble, or another urgent situation.

If you receive such a call, do not rely solely on the caller's voice to confirm their identity. Contact the family member directly using a trusted phone number, or contact another family member who can verify the situation.

Employment and Quick-Loan Scams

Be cautious of unsolicited employment opportunities and quick-loan offers, particularly those promoted through social media. Avoid clicking links or providing personal, financial, or identifying information through unofficial websites or applications.

Before providing information, independently verify the company or financial institution using a trusted source.

Business Closing Scams

Local businesses have reported receiving calls near closing time from individuals impersonating management or other authorities. Employees may be instructed to remove cash from the business and deposit it into a Cash App or other account.

Employees should never transfer or deposit business funds based solely on an unexpected phone call. Verify any unusual financial request directly with the owner, manager, or appropriate supervisor using a trusted contact method.

Scrap Metal Theft

Thieves may target businesses, construction sites, and other locations to steal copper wire and other valuable metals for resale at scrap yards. Businesses and property owners should remain alert for suspicious activity and report suspected theft to law enforcement.

Check-Washing Scams

Checks sent through the mail can be intercepted and altered. Criminals may change the payee, dollar amount, or other information before depositing or cashing the check.

Monitor your bank accounts regularly and promptly report suspicious or altered checks to your financial institution.

How to Protect Yourself From Scammers

• Stop and think. Scammers often create a sense of urgency and pressure victims to act immediately.
• Hang up on suspected scammers. Do not remain on the phone simply because the caller insists that the situation is urgent.
• Do not provide sensitive information. Never give unsolicited callers your passwords, account numbers, Social Security number, verification codes, or other personal or financial information.
• Verify independently. If someone claims to represent your bank, a government agency, a business, or a family member, contact that person or organization directly using a trusted phone number or other reliable source.
• Do not move your money at someone else's direction. Be especially suspicious of requests to withdraw cash, purchase cryptocurrency, use a cryptocurrency ATM, or deliver money to a person or location.
• Do not click unexpected links. Be cautious of links received through unsolicited emails, text messages, social media messages, or online advertisements.
• Block and report suspicious numbers or accounts. If you receive a scam call or message, block the number and report it as spam when possible.
• Contact your bank immediately if necessary. If you believe you have provided information to a scammer or your account may have been compromised, contact your financial institution directly using a trusted phone number.

When in Doubt, Slow Down and Verify

If a caller pressures you to act immediately or threatens you with financial or legal consequences, take a moment to stop and assess the situation. Scammers rely on fear, urgency, and confusion to prevent victims from thinking clearly.

Take a few seconds to breathe, slow down, and verify the request before taking any action.

Remember: Stop. Verify. Then Act.

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or a scam, contact your local law enforcement agency and your financial institution as soon as possible.