Full Notification

Northfield Twp Police Warns of Summer Scams

Door to Door Magazine/Book Sales ( Reminder: Not all Scams are internet related)

It is that time of year when the nice weather brings out traveling sales persons. Many of these door to door sales persons are young college age solicitors who prey upon your willingness to help them succeed in earning points for a competitive sales program. Some may claim to be part of a National Leadership Program through the local college or university. If you are approached by individuals that are unknown to you and they attempt to pressure you into buying magazines or other products, close your door, observe their direction of travel and contact the Northfield Twp Police.

The IRS Scam Continues

If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be an agent of the IRS, advising you that you owe a large sum of money to the IRS and failure to make a timely payment will result in a criminal warrant issued for your arrest. Hang up on the caller. The IRS will NEVER contact you by phone to collect through coercion any outstanding debts. The scammer may direct you to either deposit the money in a specified account or purchase a pre-paid (GreenDot) money card which has a unique tracking number printed on the back. Once the scammer has the tracking number, he/she is able to access the funds, thereby profiting from the scam.

Another scam uses a pre-recorded call claiming to be the IRS, stating as a final attempt to reach you they will be filing suit. The message further requests you return their call to avoid further actions. Again, the IRS will never contact you by phone regarding unsuspected monies owed.

Also, scams have suggested the IRS will place a freeze on Social Security checks or will revoke driver’s licenses. The IRS urges taxpayers not give out money or personal financial information as a result of these phone calls or from emails claiming to be from the IRS.
If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no reason to believe that you do, report the incident to the TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484 or at www.tigta.gov

Even Tinder Users are Vulnerable

Tinder a Social Web App that promotes dating has also been targeted by fraudsters. After exchanging a few messages through the app, the subject quickly suggests to begin text messaging. The perpetrator might suggest the connecting party try new services/products for which the “scammer” will receive referral payments; or the fraudster will recommend the victim downloads an app where he/she provides the link. This link may load malware to you phone. Finally, if you go on a “Tinder Date” always let someone know where you are at and always meet in a public place