Police received report yesterday from a local man regarding an individual who tried to gain access to his home by emailing him and providing a direct line to call, threatening to cut off the man’s internet service if he didn’t let the individual into his home. The man was savvy and took appropriate steps by looking up Comcast/Xfinity’s contact numbers by himself, and not from the number provided. He also did not respond to the email as that gives the scammer hope they have a victim on the other end. Comcast/Xfinity advised him the email and call were a scam.
Even though the email sent to the man did not have Comcast signifiers, sometimes scammers can impersonate email contacts or phone numbers, called spoofing. Please beware. There are so many scams out there. Many scams try to alarm you or scare you. Others just prey on your situation. A list of scams is provided on EPD’s website (http://www.eugene-or.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11128). This document covers some of the most common scams we’ve seen in our area, but new ones are popping-up all the time. It is easy to get taken in, even if you are usually suspicious of scams.
It is a good idea to reach out to your provider for tips on blocking the calls/emails and regarding the spamming.
If you receive a phone call and recognize that the call is a scam, please hang up immediately and report the information to www.ic3.gov
If you are the victim of a scam and have incurred a loss, please call the EPD non-emergency at 541.682.5111.
These cases provide an opportunity for a reminder on how to avoid becoming the victim of fraud. Scams are cyclical in nature. Eugene Police recommend to remain careful and skeptical of callers:
•If someone asks you for your cash, gift cards, credit card numbers, security log-ins, or other personal information (especially if you don’t know them well), the safest move is to refuse their request and check with the police, or find an independent way to contact a legitimate business and follow up rather than responding right away to the caller.
•Don’t give out computer or phone log-ins, personal or financial information to someone who calls you. If you are unsure, hang up and independently find the phone number of the alleged represented agency and call yourself. A law enforcement agency will not ask you for this type of information or request that money be sent by way of money order for any reason.
•Beware of high pressure techniques, such as the need to give information or make a decision on the spot.
•If it sounds quirky or weird, it probably is.