Citizens Urged to be Alert for Scams

The Goldsboro Police Department would like to remind citizens that there are several frauds and scams that are prevalent during the year but usually increase during the holidays. Traditionally, we see flim-flam or confidence scams like the “pigeon drop”, whereby the victim is asked to become partners with a stranger(s) who has “found” a large sum of money. The victim is asked to put up some good faith money in return for a share of the “found” money. Of course they don’t get their money back or a share of the “found” money.

We have seen the fictitious sweepstakes or lottery scams recently. You should be cautious if you receive a notice in the mail that you are a winner of a contest or lottery that you did not enter or if they require you to pay a fee. A lot of the bogus correspondence may be from Europe, Africa or Canada; although it could have U.S. address. Most legitimate companies will provide a verifiable phone number, contact person and physical address, not just a P.O. Box. You will be required to pay or be responsible for taxes on any legitimate winnings. Odds of winning such contests are very, very low. Also, it is illegal for U.S. citizens in the U.S. to participate in foreign lotteries.

Criminals play on human emotions of greed and compassion to convince victims to participate in these frauds. If you are confronted by someone in person decline the offer and call the Police. Give a description of the person(s) and their vehicle, with a license plate number if possible. If you are contacted by phone, get a name, address and phone number so you can call them back. If they decline or pressure you to hurry up and make a decision do not deal with them. If by mail, research the company via internet or the Attorney General’s Office. With all offers, discuss the situation with a friend, family member or law enforcement before you act on it.

Not all contests or lotteries are scams. Just use common sense. NOTHING is free. The old adage that “if it sounds too good to be true; it probably is” is a good rule to go by.

Saturday, November 8th, from 1PM - 11PM

Sunday, November 9th, from 1PM - 7 PM

On PACC-10TV