SCAM ALERT

Over the past several weeks the East Cocalico Township Police Department has received numerous reports from citizens receiving phone calls from individuals attempting to defraud them of money.  Some of the more popular scams include the following:

IRS SCAM- The IRS will not attempt to collect money over the telephone. If you owe back taxes, they will contact you through registered mail.  Despite what the caller may tell you, your local police department will not arrest you on behalf of the IRS.  

LOTTERY SCAM- First of all, you can not win a lottery or contest that you did not enter.  Secondly, a genuine lottery/contest will not ask you to pay in advance to receive the prize. Advance fee frauds are one of the most popular types of frauds.

ARREST WARRANT SCAM- If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from a Sheriffs' or Police Department and they are requiring immediate payment to avoid jail time, it is probably a scam.  If you have a warrant for your arrest, someone will visit you at your house, work, etc.  If you owe a fine, you will not get a phone call asking for immediate payment.  If you get a call from a family member in another state begging for money to avoid jail, call that family member prior to actually sending money.  

If you are ever in doubt about whether a caller is genuine, advise the caller that you are notifying your local police department, hang up and then contact us at (717) 336-1725. DO NOT give anyone your personal information including your social security number, date of birth and bank/credit card account information. A clear sign that you are being scammed is the caller asking for money payments using alternative methods ie: prepaid money cards, money grams, ITunes cards, etc.  

More information on SCAMS can be found at the following:  http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts,https://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety...