DATCP Want You to Be Scam Smart in 2020
Monday, January 13th, 2020 -- 8:38 AM
(WRN) -2020 is here and the state consumer protection division wants you to make being scam smart part of your resolutions.2020 is here and the state consumer protection division wants you to make being scam smart part of your resolutions. Director Lara Sutherlin says that while the exact ways that scams play out have changed, the goals of a crook have not.
"They want your money, they want your personal information, and they want access to your computer system so they can download malware, or extract personal information from your computer."
Sutherlin says that by far the most common scams they have to deal with are phone scams.
"So they may tell you you've won a major prize. They may try to intimidate you by impersonating the government, law enforcement or other officials. They may even threaten you and demand immediate payment."
The state consumer protection division is rolling out their tips to help you and your family be scam safe in the new year. Director Lara Sutherlin says one way that scammers target seniors is to pretend to be a loved one who's in trouble.
"And they play on your emotions and claim to be a relative or a friend in danger or even more."
Sutherlin reminds people that no legitimate organization is going to call you out of the blue and demand payment over the phone. If you get one of these calls, simply hang up.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.