Full Notification

Due to a recent influx of fraud and theft by trickery cases, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Division would like to share some awareness and prevention tips.

Most of us think that this could never happen to us, but most of the victims who were scammed told us they thought the same thing. So why did they get scammed even if they knew it was coming? They got scammed because the thieves use sophisticated social engineering techniques which they have practiced and honed over thousands of telephone calls. So instead of focusing on each type of specific scam we would like you to think about the similarities that exist in most of these cases. By focusing on these similarities you should be able to recognize the scam and deter it. 

Most scams occur on the telephone because human nature is vulnerable to manipulation. The scammers use a cover story to get you to send them money. Most times the money is untraceable and sent to another country.

Prevention tips:

• Many scammers pretend to be family members in need of help because generally we would do anything for a family member. Your family’s information is easily found on the internet and can be used against you. Always verify the scammers claims by calling the family member yourself or asking other family members if they believe the story you are being told.

• Bad guys may pretend to be an authority figure and scare or threaten you into sending money under the threat of retribution. Recently one scam threatened that an arrest warrant would be issued by the local police department if a fine wasn’t paid. Always verify the person on the phone is who they say they are. You can look up the phone number yourself on the internet, call, and ask if the story you are hearing sounds right. Also match the number the person is calling from to see if it is similar to the phone number found on the internet. You can also ask them to send you an e-mail to verify that the address looks official. If they can’t send you one right away that has an official company address then they are probably trying to scam you.

• Scammers will try to rush you into making a decision without using your critical thinking skills. You should never feel rushed to give someone money. Make sure you take your time to make a smart decision when it comes to handing out money. Don’t be afraid to ask for a call back number and tell them you will call back after verifying the information.

• Although, many people use wire transfer services to send money it is very unusual for someone to call you unexpectedly and to demand a quick transfer of cash. Always be suspicious of wire transfers unless you regularly use them and have an already established plan with the other party. It is even more unusual for someone to ask you to go to a store and pick up a money card to put money on for them. If you are asked to transfer money in a way that you don’t usually send money make sure you verify the transfer first.

• Bad guys use embarrassment as a tool to scam you. They count on the fact that you don’t want to be embarrassed by asking family if the story you have heard is true. When pretending to be family or a friend they will tell you not to tell anyone else because they don’t want to be embarrassed by the situation they are in. And they know after you are scammed that you will be embarrassed to tell your family or the police you got scammed. Don’t be embarrassed.