In recent weeks the Sheriff's Office has received reports and notifications of a wide variety of attempted scams.  The most important step in avoiding scams is to recognize them; with that in mind, Sheriff Benton would like to caution Highlands County citizens about these particular scams which have recently been reported.
 
Jury Duty Scam:  The caller claims to be a jury DUTY coordinator who informs the victim that a warrant has been issued for his/her arrest due to failure to appear for jury duty. When the victim protests that a summons was never received, the scammer asks for the victim's Social Security Number and date of birth so the situation can be cleared up. Once this information is given, the target has become a victim of identity theft. This particular fraud has been reported in 11 states resulting in alerts posted on both the FBI and the Federal Court System websites.
 
Fake Lottery Scams:  In these scams, the victim is notified by mail, email, or, most often, telephone that they have won a large sum of money in a foreign lottery or sweepstakes.  The criminal explains that the victim need only send a few hundred dollars to cover "processing fees" or "taxes."  If the victim sends money, the criminal will continue inventing reasons why the victim must send more money before the winnings will be delivered.  BEWARE: Legitimate sweepstakes and lotteries do not require money to be paid in advance.
 
Nigerian Scams:  This scam is similar to fake lottery scams and the victim is generally approached by letter or email.  The criminal, who resides in another country, purports to have a need to hide a large sum of money inside the United States and offers to split the money with the victim if the money can be placed in the victim's bank account.  BEWARE:  There is no legitimate reason for a foreign national to place money in your bank account. These offers are always scams.
 
Injured/Sick Family Member Scam: In this scam the criminal pretends to call on behalf of a sick or injured family member or claims to actually be a sick or injured family member in need of money.  In one recent attempt, the criminal pretended to be a grandson and claimed to have been wounded in a car accident.  BEWARE: Before sending any money or revealing any information to the caller, ask for a call back number and call other family members to check and confirm the information.  
 
Home Repair Scams:  In this scam, the criminals offer to make repairs to the victim's home.  The criminals may claim to have "noticed" something wrong or may state they just completed a job in the victim's neighborhood and have left over materials.  The scams often involve roof repair or driveway sealing but the criminals could use any possible home repair.  If any work is actually completed, it will be overpriced and use substandard materials or workmanship; often no work is done at all. BEWARE:  Legitimate contractors and handymen do not use high pressure sales tactics and a phone call to the Highlands County Building Department can confirm if a contractor is licensed in Highlands County.
 
Overpayment Scam:  This scam preys on victims who have listed items for sale or houses for rent.  The criminal sends payment by a legitimate looking check or money order but the payment amount is higher than the cost of the item.  The criminal requests the victim send the overpayment amount back.  BEWARE:  The original check or money order is counterfeit.  By the time the victim learns this, they may already have lost both the item they were selling as well as the "overpayment" amount that was sent back to the criminal.
 
The Highlands County Sheriff's Office would like to remind the public never to give out personal information over the phone, by email, or to someone that has visited your home unless you initiated the call or the visit. Such information includes, but is not limited to: driver's license number, date of birth, Social Security number, any bank account numbers, credit card and Personal Identification Numbers (PIN). In addition, it is good practice not to allow anyone access into your home unless you have called for the service. Asking for identification of anyone that enters your home is always recommended, and, if in doubt, keep them out. Calling the employer to verify the employee's presence might be warranted. If there is a question about someone who wants to gain entry into your home or to provide a service that you have not requested, call the Sheriff's Office Central Dispatch at 402-7200 and request a local law enforcement officer come to your home and check the credentials of the person(s) involved.  Many scams and frauds originate outside the United States, as the criminals involved know operating from another country can make investigation and prosecution extremely difficult.  Be especially cautious of suspicious offers originating in another country.  Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. In addition, if there is a sense of urgency to the request, and especially if it is coupled with a requirement of secrecy....it's a scam!
 
As a reminder, the Crime Prevention Unit members offer presentations on personal safety, identity theft protection, frauds and scams and other prevention topics at no charge. To schedule a presentation simply call the Community Service Office, located in Lakeshore Mall, at 385-0024.