Rocklin Police warn of phone scams

As today's technology advances, so do scammers. That's why the Rocklin Police Department is reminding the public to keep a watchful eye out for phone scammers. Last week, an unnamed victim was scammed out of thousands of dollars of cash in just seconds. "A victim received an unsolicited text from 'PayPal' about her account with a phone number to call, calling the number that connected her to a scammer who convinced the victim to withdraw thousands of dollars in cash, which was then picked up by a courier," stated a press release from the Rocklin Police Department. "Of course the scammer called the victim back later with requests for more money, more cash was withdrawn only after she had contacted us to report the initial scam and theft. "Scammers use technology to their advantage by manipulating phone numbers to imitate government and financial agencies, typically targeting and taking advantage of the elderly," the press release stated. "PayPal, Amazon, McAfee all are very common scams and the technology is getting more and more convincing. Be careful and don't believe anyone is who they say they are. These companies never phone you and most of the emailers are scammers," said Teri Lynn Grant on Rocklin PD's post. "Once a scammer has you on the phone, they create a false sense of urgency and panic while claiming your account is suspended, compromised, or that you owe a large amount of money immediately," according to the press release. "Some scammers go great lengths and stay active on the line the whole time to pressure and force you into making quick split-second decisions." Police urge this important reminder, "Legitimate agencies and companies won't demand immediate payment over the phone in lieu of fines, warrants or arrests. They won't ask for gift cards, cryptocurrencies, wire transfers or for cash to be picked up by a courier." If you encounter a phone scammer, you are encouraged to hang up and call the police immediately. Do not engage with them or send any money or monetary items (gift cards, wire transfers, etc.) unwillingly. "Hang up immediately, and call the organization back using a verified number in your account or log into the account directly to verify activity. Protect yourself and check in on older family members and neighbors, a quick conversation may prevent a costly scam," police warn. If you become a victim of an online or phone scam, contact the Rocklin Police non-emergency dispatch number at 916-625-5424 (Option #1) and report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/