PRESCOTT, Arizona – Two recent reports suggest that Arizonans, and Prescott-area residents in particular, have been victimized by scams in large numbers, especially online versions, and could be susceptible to them in the future as well.

One report, the Federal Trade Commission’s 2013 “Consumer Sentinel Network Databook,” pegs Prescott as number two in the nation for the number of fraud complaints per capita, and lists Arizona in the top 10 for states making fraud complaints.

The other report, “Caught in the Scammer’s Net,” produced by AARP, was issued this month and looked at the most likely victims of online fraud in our state, based on a survey of 962 people.

“It is the combination of online behaviors and life experiences that put a person at greatest risk of being scammed,” AARP Arizona’s Cynthia Fagyas said.

Those behaviors include opening emails from unknown sources, clicking on pop-up ads, and signing up for free trial offers.

Victims were more likely to have had bad things happen to them, such as the loss of a job, reports of feeling isolated, being concerned about debt, or experiencing a negative change in financial status.

“Clicking on a pop-up or signing up for a free trial offer online, by itself, doesn’t guarantee you’ll be scammed,” David Mitchell, AARP Arizona State Director, said. “But if the online engagement occurs when you’re feeling lonely or have just lost your job, it could spell a perfect opportunity for a scammer.”

Yavapai County Sheriff’s spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn said Craigslist is also a location where criminals may hang out.

“Make sure the person you are dealing with is legitimate. Consider meeting in a public place to arrange a transaction. Do not blindly give personal info unless you know who you are dealing with,” he said. “We have had many issues related to Craigslist fraud in the Prescott area.”

A whopping 79 percent of Arizona Internet users told the AARP that they’re concerned about being ripped off while online, Fagyas said, but when given a 10-question quiz, they were only able to answer half the questions about online safety correctly.

And while nearly all of the people surveyed said they were worried about providing personal information over the Internet, almost a quarter of them admitted they’ve never changed the password on their personal email account or banking websites.

Not all schemes to grab your money take place online. A telephone-based scam that has been seen in Prescott over the last few months is one in which a person claiming to be from Arizona Public Service demands money for an allegedly overdue electric bill, threatening to cut off service if it isn’t paid immediately.

The immediacy is the key. Customers who have taken the time to check with the company have learned that they do not owe any money. Some who simply reacted to the calls lost money.

“Never assume anyone who initiates a call to you regarding some type of business/ banking transaction is legitimate – especially if they’re asking for personal information,” D’Evelyn said. “Hang up and call the business directly.” using a commonly published number.”

Be aware. Be Sharp and pass the word.

Tony

From: Wall Street Journal, Friday, March 21, 2014

“Thousands of Taxpayers Targeted by Fake Agents

More than 20,000 taxpayers have been targeted by fake Internal Revenue Service agents in the largest phone scam the agency has ever seen, the IRS inspector general said Thursday.

Thousands of victims have lost a total of more than $1 million.

As part of the scam, fake IRS agents call taxpayers, claim they owe taxes, and demand payment using a prepaid debit card or a wire transfer. Those who refuse are threatened with arrest, deportation or loss of a business or driver’s license, said J. Russell George, Treasury inspector general for tax administration.

Real IRS agents usually contact people first by mail, he said. And they don’t demand payment
by debit card, credit card or wire transfer.

The IG’s office started receiving complaints in August. Immigrants were the primary target,
the IG’s office said. But the scam has become more widespread.” Associated Press

Anthony J. (Tony) Palermo CCPS

Community Relations Specialist

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office

255 E. Gurley Street

Prescott, AZ 86301

anthony.palermo@yavapai.us

928.777.7223