Police Warn Public to be Alert for Scammers

North Woodbury Township Police Chief Dave Rosamilia and Blair County Sheriff James Ott have teamed up with a series of radio ads to warn residents to be on alert for scammers.

“Citizens across the United States are being defrauded of their life savings every day.” Rosamilia said. “Criminals use the phone, internet and social media to scam victims out of money.”

Rosamilia said criminals use a variety of tactics to scam people such as pretending to be a family member or friend in trouble and that they need money wired to them quickly.

Another common tactic is to tell the victim that they won money, but they first need to send money or gift cards to claim the funds. Scammers will also pose as official from institutions such as a bank or the IRS and claim they are verifying information, often fooling people into giving it to them.

Rosamilia said to avoid being scammed out of money, you should hang up on anyone saying they are from the IRS, Publishers Clearinghouse, energy companies, selling insurance, selling vehicle warranties or anyone asking for a donation of any kind.

Rosamilia said criminals will often attempt to give a callback number but said you should never call it. He said if you want to know if a caller is legitimate, hang up and look up the main number of the company and talk to a representative to see if it is a legitimate call. He said to always be suspicious of anyone who wants to give you something or wants something from you.

Rosamilia said you should call a family member, friend, or your local police department before giving anyone you don’t know money or personal information.

“Remember, hang up, and look up. Stay safe and protect yourself,” Rosamilia said.