Police Commissioner Kenneth Jackson and Garden City Police alert all residents of the escalation of phone scams. During these scams, victims are financially targeted by phone callers who make false statements and promises in an effort to manipulate the victims to send them money by way of Green Dot Money Packs, Money Grams, Western Union and prepaid money cards. Legitimate agencies and companies do not ask for this type of payment. Examples of phone scams include:
• Prize or Lottery Winners
The callers advise the victims that they have won a monetary prize but need to send money to the caller to cover the shipping and processing for the delivery of the winnings.
• Utility Companies
The callers state they are from a utility (gas, electric, water) and require money be sent to them so to prevent the victim’s service from being disconnected.
• Government Scams
Victims often receive a call from persons stating they are from Nassau County and advise the victim that they must pay a fine for not reporting for jury duty.
• Kidnapped/Arrested Family Members
The victim receives a call from a person claiming to be a family member who advises the victim they were arrested or kidnapped in another state or country and money needs to be sent to a location for bail or ransom.
These are often foiled when the victim contacts the family member, particularly by cell phone.
If you think you have been a victim of a phone scam, please call the police by dialing 911. Submitted by the Garden City Police Department
