Dear Upper Macungie Township Residents,
As the holiday season approaches, the Upper Macungie Township Police Department would like to remind residents to be especially vigilant against common frauds, many of which target the elderly.
By legal definition, an elderly person is someone aged 60 or older.
Fraudsters often convince victims to send money through methods such as purchasing gift cards and providing the card numbers, transferring funds via cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin), making wire transfers, or using services like MoneyGram. Common scams may involve individuals pretending to be someone with romantic interest in the victim, claiming to be a relative in urgent need of bail money or legal assistance, or even impersonating utility companies threatening immediate disconnection.
Other common scams include fraudulent calls from the IRS or U.S. Immigration, as well as fake investment opportunities. It is important to remember that legitimate agencies will never demand payment in these ways.
Scammers may also hack computers and pose as well-known businesses like Microsoft or Norton, creating fake websites designed to trick victims into contacting them under the false belief that they are reaching a legitimate organization.
Once money is sent, it is often nearly impossible to recover. The Upper Macungie Township Police Department urges all residents to remain cautious, not just during the holiday season, but year-round.
UMTPD wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Upper Macungie Township Police Department
