Michigan Sheriff Warns Residents of Phone Scam Complaint

Posted January 20th, 2012
Written by RPD Staff

The Livingston County, Michigan Police Department is becoming more vigilant about warning the public of the presence of phone scams in the area. According to Sheriff Bob Bezotte, a recent call to County Commissioner Dave Domas prompted officials to research the occurrences of escalating phone scams. During the call, the scammer requested personal information including a social security number. Domas immediately reported it to the police and discovered the call originated in Pakistan and India.

“There are many phone and e-mail solicitors from out of the state and country who are contacting the public via voice-mail messages, random e-mails or unsolicited cold calls on home phones,” the sheriff explained. “These perpetrators will attempt to gain personal information with a bogus claim that they can lower an interest rate on your credit card or home mortgage. Once personal information is obtained, it is then used to access credit in the victim’s name,” Bezotte noted.

Sheriff Bezotte is warning residents to hang up the phone when these calls come through. Never divulge any personal information over the phone. When in doubt, contact the authorities.

Bezotte also offered these other tips to help protect people against common scams:

Personal information should not be stored on your computer. If your computer contains any private information, make sure to log off when you leave it and set up a password to re-enter the system.
Online purchases should only be made from reputable companies and secure web sites. Also, check to make sure you do not have a virus before you shop online.
Shred any personal documents that contain bank information, social security numbers, credit card information or any other personal details before you discard them. This also includes preapproved credit card offers you are not using.
Do not store personal documents to be mailed in your mailbox. Use a post office drop box instead. Also, if you are away and you will not be able to retrieve your mail, assign the task to a trusted neighbor, friend or family member.
Your personal items should be stored in a secure place in your home. Pay close attention to this especially when people come for extended visits. Always take your wallet with you when leaving the house.
Monitor your credit card accounts and compare them with your receipts to ensure the numbers are correct. Also check for additional charges you did not authorize. Monitor utility bills as well, for criminals will charge you for accounts opened at their location.
Contact the authorities immediately if you suspect you are a victim of identity theft. Contact your credit card companies and your personal bank immediately and notify them as well. As you work through the process, keep a record of your actions so you can use it if any legal action is warranted. Close all compromised accounts.