Category Archives: Financial

National Police Week, May 10-16, 2020

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week.  This special week honors those who serve in our national law enforcement community.

We at Copperfield Hill are grateful for the outstanding police force here in Robbinsdale, MN.  We depend on their efforts every day to keep our community safe and secure.

Normally, each spring we have the Robbinsdale Police Department come and speak to our community about scams and fraud. Due to our current visiting restrictions, our presentation has been postponed. So, in place here are six scams to watch out for currently. Some of this information you have heard before, but it is always good to be reminded.

Election Scams: Yes, we are in an election year. Scammers are posing as political groups representing one candidate or another. They will call, email, or come door to door asking for contributions. Never give out your credit card or financial information to an unsolicited person pitching for a candidate or cause. Reach out on your own to those you support.

Census Scams: It is also the year that the US is performing the 2020 Census. Never give your social security or financial information to anyone who claims to be a census worker. The census will never ask for your social security number or for donations.

Job Fraud: Scammers are finding online resumes and contacting job seekers. They offer the “job of a lifetime” even offering a sign on bonus. These “bonus checks” come with strings attached, administration fees that need to be paid by the job seeker. It’s too late after the job seeker has wired money for these fees – only to find out the promised check is bogus. It should never cost you to get a job. A professional recruiter is paid by the business that is looking for employees.

Medicare Scams: These are frequent. New scams occur every year. Scammers offer free health care, free cancer screening tests, free genetic tests or free medical devices. Never give out your Medicare number over the phone.

Delivery Scams: Scammers are posing as package delivery representatives. This could be Amazon, UPS, Fedex or others. They ask you to confirm your credit card number in order to confirm your delivery. This can be communicated via phone or email. Never give out your credit card via a link on an email. This can quickly compromise your computer with software that can harvest information for the scammer. If you have a question about a delivery, go directly to the company.

Covid-19 Cons: Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of individuals at a time of unprecedented anxiety and uncertainty in our country. Scammers are sending out mail and email advertising virus vaccines and medical treatments. They may ask for credit card information to receive the treatment. Then they bill you for products that never arrive. Be wary of offers during a crisis. Many scammers will take advantage of the heightened sense of anxiety that is present.

These are just a handful of scams. There are many more. However, one thing that all scams have in common: the scammer is trying to get personal, financial or medical information from you. Never give out your personal or financial information to someone that you do not know. The safest thing to do is just hang up the phone.

*You can find out more information at: AARP.ORG, USA.GOV, MNSCAMS.ORG or AG.STATE.MN.US

Posted in Financial /Privacy/security /Safety /