From our friends at the Simi Valley Police Department (https://local.nixle.com/alert/4962919/)
The Simi Valley Police Department would like to warn the public of two telephone scams that have been targeting our senior population. Fake checks and bogus offers that claim to be affiliated with a sweepstakes contest or the “Grandparent” scam. A sweepstakes contest does not make or authorize outgoing telephone calls to consumers to sell merchandise or magazines, or to solicit contest entries. The sweepstakes contest winners are only notified by mail or in person. Winners are never notified by telephone. If you receive a telephone call from someone claiming to be from a sweepstakes contest, please stop and hang up. The chances are the call you have just received is fraudulent. Winning is always free at a sweepstakes contest.
The “Grandparent” scam involves a phone call or an email unexpectedly from someone who claims to be a friend or relative. This often happens to grandparents with the caller claiming to be their grandson or granddaughter. The caller will say that there is an emergency and will ask you to send money immediately. The chances are this person is an imposter and is trying to steal your money.
Be aware of the following scams:
• You may receive a check and be asked to cash it and wire or send a portion back. Stop! This is a scam. The check is not real, when the check bounces you will owe the bank the funds and the scam artist will have your money.
• A caller claims that you have won a contest, but you must send money to claim it. Be suspicious!
• In order to collect a prize you are asked to give your credit card number. Your credit card will most likely be used in a fraudulent spending spree.
• In connection with a prize you may be asked to email your social security number, personal banking or financial information. Stop! Your valuable personal information will be used fraudulently.
If you believe you have been contacted by a scam contact your local police department and file a complaint with the National Fraud Information Center at www.fraud.org. Your complaint may help others and will be useful. For additional information contact Crime Prevention Specialist Jean-Marie Maroshek at (805) 586-6276.