Crime Prevention Tips: Stay Alert of Scams!

The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers of scammers targeting their victims via text, e-mail and robocalls. Some newly reported scams have been reported for stimulus checks, the COVID-19 vaccine, and the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. Read tips on how to avoid getting scammed. 

Stimulus Check Scam 

With a new round of stimulus checks going out, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning people to look out for a new round of scams. 

BBB says it is already getting reports of con artists claiming that you need to provide personal information to receive a stimulus check. 

Scammers are contacting people through text, email, and robocalls about the new COVID-19 stimulus checks and direct deposits. BBB recommends you do not reply to messages and if you have doubts contact the IRS directly. Check out the Federal Trade Commission’s website on stimulus payment scams what you need to know- https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/.../coronavirus-stimulus... 

COVID-19 Vaccine Scam 

While vaccination details are getting worked out, here’s what you can be sure of: You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine. That’s a scam. You can’t pay to get early access to the vaccine. That’s a scam. Nobody legit will call about the vaccine and ask for your social security, bank account, or credit card number. That’s a scam. Ignore any vaccine offers that say different or ask for personal or financial information. Learn more at ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams 

NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Scam 

NYS DMV is warning its customers of fraudulent text messages that are made to look like they are from the NYS DMV and they include a link to a fake DMV website. The messages ask the recipient to update their contact information in an attempt to gain access to sensitive personal data. 

If you receive such a text message, you should not provide any personal data and should delete the text right away. 

Follow these tips to help protect against phishing schemes: 

  • DO inspect all electronic communications you receive to confirm the message was generated from a legitimate source. 
  • DO look for telltale signs of phishing - poor spelling or grammar, the use of threats, the URL does not match that of the legitimate website. If the message does not feel right, chances are it is not. 
  • DON’T click on links embedded in an unsolicited message from an unverified source. 
  • DON’T send your personal information via text. Legitimate businesses will not ask users to send sensitive personal information through text messages. 
  • DON’T post sensitive information online. 

For more information on phishing scams, as well as steps to mitigate a phishing attempt, visit the New York State Office of Information Technology Services Phishing Awareness resources page. https://its.ny.gov/resources 

Online Shopping Scams

The pandemic’s need for social distancing has more people turning to online options for groceries and other needs. Scammers have come up with an array of devious tactics, setting up fake websites and ads to lure shoppers in for impossibly low-priced and in-demand items. Here's more on online shopping scams.

For more safety tips for various situations, visit the crime prevention tips page.