Full Notification

Beware of Phone Scams Occurring in Valdez

Re-occurring reports of 3 specific types of phone scams are currently circulating in the Valdez area. Callers have reported the following to Valdez PD Dispatch:

1.    Scammers with generally male voices of an East Indian accent, calling from a variety of numbers registered to the US and Canada are contacting citizens stating that they represent “Windows Security Team”, “Microsoft Security” or similar variations and state that they, “have received a message that (the Victims) computer is at threat” or “its security has been compromised.” They then instruct the Victim to go to their computer, access the internet and go to a specific link or website. A series of steps are taken by the Scammer to gain access and control of the Victim’s computer and within minutes the Scammer gains access to vital banking information and other personal information which the Scammer uses to fraud and extort the Victim. Even after the Victim thinks that the attack is over, software is embedded inside the Victim’s device which continually re-victimizes the Victim without even being aware.

If you are a member of a legitimate computer security company’s services, you will either have a member ID or verification code to ensure that the caller represents this legitimate company. Make sure you verify your member ID prior to allowing anyone access to your device. If you do not have such a service, do not follow their requests and report the incident immediately.
 

2.    Scammers with generally male voices of a “Jamaican” accent are calling residents and informing them that they have a package waiting for them at their house. Further instructions would include steps to forward the package to another location or open the package, repackage and ship to another location. The Scammer would guarantee postage reimbursement and promise financial incentives for their troubles stating that this was an unfortunate mix up by the Postal Service/UPS/FEDEX etc.

This is an intentional fishing scam targeting persons who believe the Scammer. There are a variety of persons using this scam to hide various Laundering Activities and to ship various Illegal Items or Contraband through US Customs. Cooperation with these Scammers can implicate you in a Federal Criminal Investigation as well as leave you susceptible to future extortion by these Criminals. If you receive an unfamiliar or unidentified package from an unknown sender or a similar phone call, report it to your Post Master and/or the Valdez PD immediately.
 

3.    Dozens of Citizens in Valdez and all over Alaska have received an automated message, on both cell phones and land lines, stating that their First National Bank card, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, and/or MasterCard has been locked for various security reasons. The automated message then requires the citizen to enter their card number and PIN to unlock their card.

DO NOT EVER ENTER YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBER OR BANK CARD INFORMATION UNLESS YOU INITIATE THE CALL!

HELPFUL TIPS:

·      If you ever receive a suspicious call from a company, bank or agency that you do business with, request the name of the representative and the specific department they work in, then tell them you will call them back and hang up. Call the company/bank back using a trusted public listed phone number, request the department and the agent who reportedly contacted you.

·      If you believe your banking information has been compromised, immediately report it to your banking institution and Law Enforcement.

·      If you believe that someone has made unauthorized entry into your electronic device, immediately and safely remove all power from your device and report it to Law Enforcement.

·      If someone contacts you, it is their responsibility to prove who they are- not your responsibility to prove who you are. If you are contacted by a Computer Security Company, they need to provided your Member ID or Verification Code, you need to have them make this verification before you provide any personal information or cooperate with their requests. This is your only way to verify the authenticity of the call, so do not provide the caller your Verification Code.

·      Report all unknown/suspicious packages received through the mail and never place unknown/suspicious item back in mail circulation.

·      If you have to follow unusual instructions or pay for something for an unknown person, prior to receiving payment, reimbursement, or a prize it is probably a scam and you will lose!

If you have become a victim of any of these Scammers, contact your financial institutions IMMEDIATELY to report the incident. Afterwards, contact your local Law Enforcement agency to report the incident. In Valdez, please contact the Valdez Police Department and give a report for the Cyber Crime Unit at (907) 835-4560.

The US Government also takes information on scams such as these. If you’ve been contacted by a Fraudster, file an online report at www.stopfraud.gov.