The Columbus Police Department is reminding residents to better protect their personal information to prevent falling victim to phone and online scams that are continuously circulating.
“We see a lot scams and the victims are normally elderly. We want to remind the public that if it sounds too good to be true, it is,” Columbus Police Capt. Douglas Molczyk said. “Know the red flags for scams, limit how much personal information you share over the phone and online.”
Molczyk offered the following tips to the public to keep in mind to protect themselves from potential scams:
- If you are asked to pay by wire transfer or gift card, it’s probably a scam.
- If you are being contacted about winning a lottery, it’s a scam. There is no way to track who picked the winning numbers.
- Remember that you will never be required to send money to claim a prize. If you are asked to send money to claim a prize, it’s a scam.
- Law enforcement agencies do not call you to tell you they have arrested your loved one and you can bond them out by sending them a wire transfer.
- Protected your bank account information, credit cards and debit cards. Only use them on trusted online sites.
- It’s OK to hang up on people you feel are scamming you and you don’t have answer emails or click on links in the emails from people you don’t know.
- Lock your devices like you do your front door. Use a passcode or fingerprint to lock your phone or tablet. Make sure your computer password is strong and at least 12 characters long.
For more information, contact Molczyk at 402-564-3201.