Holiday Scammers Abound

It is that time of year again when there are many prime opportunities for criminals to commit fraud and scams via the internet and telephone.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and the County Information Management Office would like to remind citizens to pay attention to details on incoming email messages that might appear legitimate, but are indeed scams of one sort or another. Hacker activity is at its peak with the high level of online shopping activity.

Awareness Tips
1. Well known businesses are often spoofed online or by phone: examples UPS, Fed Ex, F.B.I.. Be especially wary of surprise emails from businesses you do not normally communicate with.
2. Be alert to message attachments, anything from a legitimate shippers will usually contain a link to a tracking number never a Word document or pdf. file.
3. A helpful hint is to ‘hover’ your mouse over any links in an email to see where it is really going, this method should show the real hyperlink you would be visiting.
4. It is suggested that you use your credit card only for reputable websites.
5. Use caution on resale sites and only pay the exact amount agreed to.
6. Contact your bank if you want to restrict when and where your credit/debit card is used, and consider putting a daily limit on how much is allowed to be charged.
7. Do not fall victim to high pressure tactics over the phone, request that solicitors mail you information or just hang up.
8. Remember if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Following these tips will help you insure a Merry Christmas.

Sheriff Roger Scott