Full Notification

Fraud and scams continue to be an issue for some of our elderly residents, as well as some of our younger ones.

Most scams come as a phone call, claiming some sort of situation requiring immediate attention, such as "son/grandson in jail", "taking your social security checks", “IRS back taxes owed”, “you won the lottery”, “your utilities are going to be shut off”, and others.

Know that the Social Security Administration and the IRS will NOT call you by telephone, but will instead contact you via U.S. Mail. Legitimate lotteries do NOT require you to pay money to receive winnings. Your utility company will NOT request you to send money via Western Union, nor with gift cards.

If you have Caller ID and do NOT recognize a number calling you, do NOT answer the call, and let it go to voicemail; do not call them back. If they leave you a message, you can call Columbia Township Police to check on the legitimacy of the call.

If somebody calls and leaves a message or says there is (or will be) a warrant for your arrest, or that you have family member in jail that needs bond money, contact the Columbia Township Police directly, and we can assist you and help keep you from being scammed.

We are receiving more reports of scams as briefly detailed above. Don’t fall for them; call us and we will help. Show this letterFraud and scams continue to be an issue for some of our elderly residents, as well as some of our younger ones.

Most scams come as a phone call, claiming some sort of situation requiring immediate attention, such as "son/grandson in jail", "taking your social security checks", “IRS back taxes owed”, “you won the lottery”, “your utilities are going to be shut off”, and others.

Know that the Social Security Administration and the IRS will NOT call you by telephone, but will instead contact you via U.S. Mail. Legitimate lotteries do NOT require you to pay money to receive winnings. Your utility company will NOT request you to send money via Western Union, nor with gift cards. Furthermore, never give out your personal information such as your social security number or date of birth.

If you have Caller ID and do NOT recognize a number calling you, do NOT answer the call, and let it go to voicemail; do not call them back. If they leave you a message, you can call Columbia Township Police to check on the legitimacy of the call.

If somebody calls and leaves a message or says there is (or will be) a warrant for your arrest, or that you have family member in jail that needs bond money, contact the Columbia Township Police directly, and we can assist you and help keep you from being scammed.

We are receiving more reports of scams as briefly detailed above. Don’t fall for them; call us and we will help. Show this letter to your elderly friends or relatives, to be sure they do not fall prey either.

Thank you,