Month: December 2016

 “ Active Holiday Scams”

 

The Flagler Beach Police Department is providing this awareness announcement in an effort to warn citizens in our community that there are active computer “scams” occurring nationwide during this holiday season.  To date there have been no victims in Flagler Beach and we hope this information thwarts anyone from becoming a victim.

 

The first scam involves an e-mail you receive from what appears to be Amazon.com claiming there is a problem processing orders. The email message says, “You will not be able to access your account or place orders with us until we confirm your information.”  A “click here” link connects you to an authentic-looking Amazon webpage and asks you to confirm your name, address and credit card information (including expiration and CVV security code).  After entering your personal information and hitting the “Save & Continue tab”, consumers are redirected to the actual Amazon website. The information you’ve submitted on this webpage provides the fraudsters with everything they need to make unauthorized charges on your account.  The initial e-mail message may appear as depicted below;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second scam involves an e-mail you’ll receive from either “Chase Support” or “USAA”.  The e-mails will advise that they’ve “noticed some possible problems with your account” and that they have to suspend your account temporarily “while they take a closer look.” The e-mail will then direct you to click on a link, an example of which follows;

 

Please follow the next steps on getting your account reactivated (be sure to reference your corresponding Chase or USAA account profile information).

Click here to resolve now.

By clicking on the link you’ll be forwarded to a website and asked to provide personal information, which will ultimately provide the fraudsters with information that will be used to their advantage.

If you receive suspicious e-mails of this nature please be cautious, do not click on any link or provide any personal information online in response to these e-mails.  If you do receive these types of e-mails, please contact your local Law Enforcement agency for assistance.

 

If you have any questions regarding these active scams, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2023.

 

Additional information on these scams can be found at the following websites;

AARP website; http://blog.aarp.org/2016/12/02/new-amazon-phishing-scam-confirm-your- information-to-process-order/

Chase website:   https://www.chase.com/digital/resources/privacy-security/security/how-you- can-protect

USAA website; https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/security_how_avoid_identify_scams

“Federal Arrest Warrant – Phone Scam”

 

The Flagler Beach Police Department is providing this awareness announcement in an effort to warn and alert citizens in our community that there is a telephone “scam” currently taking place in the area. To date there have been no victims in Flagler Beach and we hope this information thwarts anyone from becoming a victim.

The scam involves a fraudulent caller (or an automated call) contacting members of the public and alleging they have an active federal arrest warrant for tax fraud and demanding payment of fines.  The phone number associated with this scam is (202) 621-0123.

According to a 2014 release from the United States Marshall’s Service a similar phone scam was active in Dayton, Ohio in 2014 when a fraudster identified himself as a Law Enforcement Officer and informed potential victims they had active federal warrants for their arrest.  The caller then gave the potential victims a contact number and information to pay the fine. The phony Law Enforcement Officer threatened the potential victims with arrest if the fine was not paid.  The U.S. Marshals Service is a federal law enforcement agency and does not seek payment of fines or fees via the telephone for individuals with outstanding arrest warrants.

Citizens in our community should stay vigilant and maintain a healthy skepticism should they receive any telephone calls of this nature.  If you receive a call of this nature please be cautious, hang up and contact your local Law Enforcement agency for assistance.

If you have any questions regarding this active phone scam, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2023.

Additional information on the United States Marshall’s Service can be located at their website; https://www.usmarshals.gov/