iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) has warned residents of fraudulent calls spoofing the department’s phone number. Department officials have informed the people that the callers deliberately falsified the information transmitted to the caller ID display to lend credence to their extortion schemes.
“Callers have reported receiving calls from health officials regarding COVID-19 status/exposure and reported that there were attempts to extort sums of monies or gift cards. Non-English speaking residents have been targeted by this scam,” the Fresno County Department of Public Health in a press release. “FCDPH would like to remind residents that the department no longer contacts individuals who test positive or are exposed to COVID-19. Instead, FCDPH asks residents to follow the CDPH Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines.”
The FCDPH has received similar complaints in the past year and requested that residents should adhere to a set of guidelines when receiving calls from unknown or unexpected sources. Fraudsters or scam artists will sometimes impersonate government officials to try to add credibility to their scheme. They also frequently target the elderly. The FCDPH has urged members of the public to be alert for potential phone scams against themselves and their family members.
The FCDPH has shared tips to ensure the security and safety of members of the public: “Never trust the caller ID number; the displayed telephone number can be manipulated with software. Always consider sending unsolicited phone calls to voicemail. Many scam call centers will not leave a message. If you feel you are being scammed, hang up, and contact the agency through their publicly listed phone number. Those who receive these calls are encouraged to report them to the FTC via their website (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov) or by calling 877–FTC–HELP (877-382-4357). Fraud can also be reported to the FBI for law enforcement action at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud.”
Signs to identify fraud callers:
- Being told you have won a prize or sweepstakes, and need to take steps to receive it, such as sending money for taxes and insurance before receiving the prize.
- Being asked to provide or to confirm your Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers, or other personal or financial information.
- Use of scare tactics, such as claiming your loved one is in danger, or that you may be arrested if you do not take immediate action.
- Asking you to pay using money transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
- Pressure to act immediately.
- Promises to recover money you have lost in other scams, for a fee.
- Demanding that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
