The elderly aren’t the only ones that are the targets of scammers. The types of fraudulent activity out there runs that gamut from phishing schemes and robocalls to miracle COVID cures…threats…and seeking personal data.
The online Scam Tracker finds that people 18 to 24 are just as susceptible to falling victim to these online scams. In fact, they’re reporting an average of $150 in losses, which is the same as those 65 years old and older. And in 2020, the number of online scam reports rose 38%.
Despite all the warnings Grand Forks police say it’s not uncommon to receive a-half dozen calls each day about fraudulent activity. Authorities say the vast majority take place over the phone or via email that are very hard to track. In many cases local residents are swindled out of hundreds if not thousands of dollars by providing personal identifying information.
The GFPD issued the following reminder:
-Please do not send cash in the mail or courier services.
-Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not and will not ask you to purchase gift cards to pay them.
-Legitimate lotteries or giveaways do not require you to pay them before you receive “free” gifts.
-Do not ever give your personal or banking information to anyone that calls you or is unknown to you.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
