Victim Location 56303
Type of a scam Government Grant
It was clearly recorded and asked if I’d be willing to support and donate to the police force. Started the conversation with, “oh hi, I’m glad you answered I was getting ready to leave you a voicemail”. I asked how they were valid and how I’d know if they were legit and they said I’ll receive something in the mail in 2-3 days. Then oddly kept reducing the amount of money of donating and asking me where I’d be most comfortable donating. I went on to say I don’t know, I’ll be sure to look at whatever you send me in the mail. The recording sounded VERY real and the only reason I knew it was a recording was because they hung up immediately without saying bye and I noticed this odd sound that happened in the beginning of the call.
Victim Location 43015
Type of a scam Family/Friend Emergency
On the day my 88 year old mother had only hours to live, my brother and I were at her house picking up items we would need. Her phone rang. My 62 year old brother answered. Noticing his extreme attention to the landline call I became concerned. I heard only his side of start of conversation. Inadvertently, he mentioned my grandson’s name and even the state he resides in. I gathered from the call my grandson had been arrested and needed $2,000 dollars for bail by that afternoon or he would remain in jail till the hearing many days later. I felt it was very odd. I was very upset. I couldn’t see my grandson calling his great uncle as his allowed call and then putting an officer on the line etc. I insisted on speaking to him. It sounded legit until I was told to go to the nearest RiteAid or Giant Eagle and buy four $500 eBay gift cards. I knew that was wrong. He gave me a phone number to call once I had the cards. I said that didn’t sound professional. He said that’s how it is done from Ohio to Colorado. I told him I may have to call him back if I get confused. He gave me his name, Officer Grady, and badge number. He said if I told anyone it would cause harm to the case and put my grandson in danger. I hung up and called my grandson to ask where he was. He said at work. I raced back to hospice and had only three minutes before my mom died. This call stole many minutes by my mom’s side. We’d been told she had hours. If I could have punched that scammer I would have. We were already under horrible stress. My brother said they called back as they were waiting on me to call them. They hung up when my brother said I had called my grandson right after talking to them. I wish he hadn’t because I was going to have my police officer nephew use the info to maybe locate the scammers. Of course after my mother passed that took priority over everything. I’m sure the number has since been changed and "Officer Grady" is using a different con name. A horrible trick for unsuspecting older people. Just outrageous.
Victim Location 53943
Type of a scam Phishing
Robocall phone call claiming my social security number had been flagged for identity theft and legal action would be taken against me if I didn’t respond.
Victim Location 83402
Type of a scam Debt Collections
Received a call from a man introducing himself as Officer Paul Williams, badge number 3296, a Social Security officer, stating I had fraud on my social security so they were going to have to freeze my social. He asked me if I had lost my wallet within the last year. He stated this was a private conversation and to not talk to anyone else about what I discussed with him. He put me on hold and stated he was working with the courts. He gave me multiple code numbers and stated he would take care of things. Phone call lasted 30 minutes. He knew my name. I called my loan agent and they informed me it was not legitimate.
Victim Location 79110
Type of a scam Charity
The man called me late at night. He said he was with the Police Department and wanted to tell me how badly the wounded officers and their family’s needed my help. He wanted my CC information for a donation. I told him I gave locally and he just hung up. Because it was so late I could not call the BBB I called the local police department and they said it was a scam and to also let the BBB know.
Victim Location 32703
Type of a scam Debt Collections
Man called asking for family info (address, phone number, and if they were on the run). Stating he was calling from the Sheriff’s department about some credit card bebt and then changed to personal injury claim. Said hes was trying to serve some papers. Gave me a phone number 888- 296-1049 and a allegedly case number. When I started asking questions and clarification he said I ask to manh calks and himg up. I called the number he provided me and another guy answers when k request information about the case number he hung up on me. I finally called anonymous and he said this was Dodson Law Firm.