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Posted Thursday, June 24th, 2010

SILENT WITNESS TIP of the MONTH

JULY 2010

 

This has been verified by the FBI. Please pass this on to everyone you know. It is spreading fast so be prepared should you get this call. Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced. The caller claims to be a jury coordinator.  If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo; your identity was just stolen.  The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma, Illinois and Colorado. This (swindle) is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites warning consumers about the fraud. Check it out at: www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm 

Posted Wednesday  24 June, 2010

Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You:

 

To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.


Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

  

 To report crimes anonymously call 753-1234 or 1-888-227-8780.  It pays to fight crime.

BE INFORMED ▪ BE AWARE ▪ BE SAFE

 

Silent Witness meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:00 pm

at the Kingman Police Department.   Please consider joining us.

 

Shirley Mathe

PRESIDENT

Posted Tuesday  11 May, 2010

** Unusual Internet scam **

The Kingman Police Department has learned of a unique internet email scam.  The below email, or one similar, is sent to people/s in boxes in hopes of scamming people out of their personal information.  The ultimate goal is to gain someone’s confidence and exploit the relationship for the sender’s financial gain.

“Hello, My name is Sgt. Eric Lee Daniels, a (SGT) in the U.S Army presently in Afghanistan as a combat instructor. During one of our duty assignment early this year in (IRAQ), we stumbled on an Al-qaeda dump site where many arms and plenty cash in U.S. dollars and pounds where discovered in barrels at a farm house near one of Saddam Hussein old palace in Tikrit -Iraq during a rescue operation.

 It was agreed by Major Kenneth Buff and myself that some part of this money be shared between both of us before informing anybody about it since both of us saw the money first,(Eight Million Dollars) was given to me as my own share, but I tell you what! No compensation can make up for the risk we have taken with our lives. So I'm seeking your kind assistance to move this funds to you as far as I can be assured that my share will be safe in your care until I complete my service here in (AFGHANISTAN).Please respond for further details. Sincerly, Sgt.Fong Eric Lee.”

This is obviously a scam, however we would like to remind everyone that anyone who solicits personal or bank information should be avoided.  Any and all interaction and correspondence with these people should also be avoided.  Anyone with questions or additional information can call KPD.

 

Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2010

 
SCAM – MOHAVE COUNTY  

Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of a scam.  The reporting party reported receiving a check from an unknown subject for a couch which he had listed for sale on craigslist.  The reporting party said that he was told via an e-mail to cash the check and send back the overage.  The check was 3 times the amount of the couch and the transaction seemed suspicious.  The reporting party said that the check was verified with his bank and the bank advised the check was not good.  The incident is believed to be an attempted scam and the Sheriff’s Office would like to caution residents.    If you suspect fraud, contact your local law enforcement office. 

 

.

 

Tuesday,  April 6, 2010

SILENT WITNESS TIP of the MONTH

APRIL 2010

 
 
 

If you are worried about an elderly friend or neighbor’s physical safety call your local law enforcement agency and ask them to do a “Welfare Check” on this person or call Adult Protective Services at 877.SOS.Adult (877-767-2385) or Silent Witness at (928) 753-1234 or 888-227-8780 and let them know what you have observed. 

 

If you are facing foreclosure, don’t fall victim to promises from anyone charging an upfront fee and promising to work with your lender to modify your loan.  Instead, contact the Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Helpline at 1-877-448-1211 for a referral to a HUD-certified counselor and receive free assistance. 

 

Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You:

A loud radio or TV can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system.  If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.  (Find it at faketv.com).

 

Sometimes, I carry a clipboard.  Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake.  I do my best to never, ever look like a crook. 

 

The two things I hate most are loud dogs and nosy neighbors. 

 

Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page.  It’s easier than you think to look up your address.

 

To report crimes anonymously call 753-1234 or 1-888-227-8780.  It pays to fight crime.

BE INFORMED ▪ BE AWARE ▪ BE SAFE

 

Silent Witness meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:00 pm

at the Kingman Police Department.   Please consider joining us.

Shirley Mathe

PRESIDENT

 

Thursday, March 4, 2010

 

DOOR TO DOOR SCAM – KINGMAN

Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of a possible scam.  Recently a senior citizen was contacted at his residence in Kingman by two young male subjects supposedly selling Dish Network television service.  The senior citizen advised that he was partially blind and he had no use for the service.  The male subjects informed the senior citizen that they had “Special Programming” that would work for him.  As a result, the male subjects convinced the senior citizen for personal information far as name, social security number and a credit card number in which he did not have, to conduct a credit check.  Hence, the senior citizen has not been re-contacted by the male subjects.  The two male subjects were wearing T-shirts with “DISH” printed on them.

 

This incident is believed to be a possible scam and the Sheriff’s Office would like to caution residents.  Always be cautious when it comes to giving personal information.   If you suspect fraud, contact your local law enforcement office.  

 

 

Monday, February 22, 2010

  

DOOR TO DOOR SCAM – MOHAVE COUNTY   

Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public regarding a scam.  Where a two-man team is seeking work in neighborhoods.   Supposedly, they specialize in repairing roofs.  An 82-year-old woman became a victim to this scam on Friday (2/19) in the Desert Hills area.  The two men contacted the woman at her residence and offered to repair her roof which she agreed.  The men worked less than an hour and charged the victim $5,800.  The victim became suspicious after she paid the men and she called authorities.  Deputies observed the roof had not been repaired.  Deputies contacted the victims’ bank and determined the person cashing the check utilized a false identification. 

 

The first suspect is described as a white male, 6'00” with blonde hair, while the second male suspect is described as possibly Hispanic or White, 5’8” with dark hair.  Both suspects are described as being in their twenties. 

The suspects were driving an older style blue pickup truck with supplies and material in the bed of the truck.

 

The Sheriff’s Office recommends utilizing licensed business for services to help protect yourself from fraud.  If you suspect fraud, contact your local law enforcement office.  

 

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

 

FROM THE KINGMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT   KINGMAN POLICE DEPT NEWS

We received information concerning a tax season e-mail scam that I thought would be worth sending to everyone since we are in the tax preparation season.  The above was received via e-mail. (see photo 1 below)  The embedded link will take you to a site which looks very much like the official IRS website, but look at the information they are collecting. (see photo 2 below)  Never provide any personal information online unless you know the exact source.  When in doubt, contact IRS for verification.  The IRS doesn’t contact anyone by e-mail.  They still use the U.S. Postal Service.

 

 

January 29, 2010

 
FRAUD/EMAIL SCAM – MOHAVE COUNTY  

Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of an email scam.  The victim, a Kingman resident, reported receiving an email from a close friend needing money.  The email indicated the friend was presently in London on vacation and he got robbed at gun point.  His luggage, credit card and cash were stolen and he doesn’t have enough money to get on a plane to get back home. 

 

The victims’ friend asked to borrow $900 and to send it via Western Union in his name to London, United Kingdom.  The victim supplied a confirmation number as requested via email after the money was sent.  Within the hour, the victims’ friend was asking to borrow $700 more, as he forgot about the exchange rate from American dollars to British pounds.  Again, after the $700 was sent, the victim supplied a second confirmation number and provided their home telephone number as requested by their friend.  The victim became suspicious when she received a call from a male subject, with a strong British accent, asking for $1,500 for excess luggage.  The victim immediately emailed her friend asking him to call her to prove his true identity or to answer a question of “What’s the nickname of a mutual friend?”  The victim never received a response! 

 

Right away, the victim called her friend at home and realized she had been victimized, as he was home.  The victims’ friend learned that someone had hacked into his computer. 

 

The Sheriff’s Office recommends to call the person asking for assistance to verify the validly.

The Sheriff’s Office understanding is that the “close friend” recently received an email from what he thought to be his internet provider asking for his username and password in which he provided. 

 

The Sheriff’s Office strongly recommends verifying who is asking for information or money to protect yourself from fraud.  If you suspect fraud, contact your local law enforcement office. 

 

Thursday, Dec 31st 2009          POSSIBLE  SCAM

A citizen came to the Kingman Police Department to advise of a possible scam.  The citizen advised that a person selling magazines came to his door and gave him a big sob story about working his way through college and that he was selling magazines so that he could attend and Internet course, as he was recently involved in an accident and had to change careers.  They were selling these magazines and he was the top seller and that if cash was paid he would he could possibly win the contest.  If he was paid by check the contest would be over by the time the check cleared and he couldn’t possibly win.  He even provided a home phone number so that you could talk to his mother and she could verify that this was legitimate. The citizen advised that the company Atlantic Circulation Inc. does exist however it is not known whether he works for that company or not, and there have been a lot of complaints in reference to this company.   If someone comes to your door selling anything they must show appropriate identification, and a picture I.D. is best and they must have a City of Kingman BUSINESS LICENSE and a SOLICITOR LICENSE.

 NCPC Staff

A small model house resting on a calculator

As more members of the baby boomer generation turn 65, scams that take advantage of vulnerable senior citizens are increasing. The latest is reverse mortgage fraud. Crime prevention practitioners and those who work with the elderly should keep an eye out for this fraud, which can hurt senior citizens in the worst possible way: by stealing their homes.

Ninety-five percent of reverse mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and are called Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, or HECMs. Because of their sheer number, they account for much of reverse mortgage fraud.

Reverse mortgages have increased rapidly in the past year. According to the FBI, reverse mortgages soared 1,300 percent between 1999 and 2008. Because of the current recession, seniors with dwindling retirement funds are opting to tap their home equity to get either a monthly payment or a lump sum to help improve their standard of living. Once they do so, their monthly payments cease. However, when the resident passes away or moves out permanently, ownership of the house is transferred to the bank or lender that provided the reverse mortgage. As the senior population is projected to grow rapidly over the next few decades, efforts to protect seniors from reverse mortgage fraud and exploitation are increasingly important.

One of the most common types of reverse mortgage fraud is known as foreclosure rescue. In this case, perpetrators attract seniors who are in jeopardy of losing their homes to foreclosure. Perpetrators promise the senior that their reverse mortgage program, which may not be a reverse mortgage program at all, will allow the senior to stay in the house. Once the senior has agreed to the plan, and a crooked appraiser inflates the value of the house, the perpetrators obtain a reverse mortgage. Once the reverse mortgage is obtained, the property title is transferred to the perpetrator who takes ownership of the house and the equity. The seniors are then left with no money and no house.

A scammer comes to the front doorAnother type of scam is equity theft. Equity theft takes place when a perpetrator locates a foreclosed or abandoned property and purchases it. The perpetrator then aims advertising at local seniors, and, when he has found a “mark” to purchase the property, transfers the property deed. After the senior has lived in the house long enough to qualify for a reverse mortgage, the perpetrator helps him apply for a lump sum loan, using an inflated appraisal conducted by a crooked appraiser. At the closing of the house, the perpetrators run with the lump sum, leaving the senior with little or no money.

Seniors should also be made aware of reverse mortgage counselors who charge for information that is available free of charge from HUD. In order to receive an HECM, seniors are required to consult a HUD-approved reverse mortgage counselor, free of charge, to learn more about the program and ensure they understand it in its entirety. However, many seniors have been scammed into paying thousands of dollars for this free information by signing contracts with companies that charge 6 percent to 10 percent of the total amount borrowed through a reverse mortgage. To ensure that a senior will not be charged for this free information, help him or her find a HUD-approved reverse mortgage counselor by calling 888-466-3487 or visiting this HUD office. It’s also important that non-HECM reverse mortgage candidates get proper counseling. They should check out the organizations listed on the website above, consult an attorney, or talk with their local banker.

While reverse mortgage fraud may be on the rise, the FBI has issued precautions that crime practitioners can pass on to senior citizens and other interested parties.

  • Do not respond to unsolicited advertisements or offers.
  • Be prepared to say “no” to anyone you suspect is not on the level.
  • Do not sign anything that you do not fully understand.
  • Seek out your own reverse mortgage counselor, perhaps at a financial institution you trust.

These guidelines can help a senior citizen steer clear of reverse mortgage fraud. Seniors who do fall victim to a reverse mortgage scam can file a complaint with their local FBI office or with HUD. For more information on reverse mortgage fraud, read the FBI’s Intelligence Bulletin.

 * December 11, 2009* FROM KINGMAN  POLICE DEPT.

Computer Scam Virus

There is a computer virus going around that was brought to my attention by one of our Citizen Volunteers.  This individual received an e-mail advising that DHL     ( or they may use UPS or FED EX) attempted to deliver a package at his residence, but there was an error with his address.  It advises you to pick up the package at the post office, but first you must print out the shipping label that is attached to the e-mail, and bring the label  to the post office to pick up your package.  When you hit print it loads a virus onto your computer.  DON’T PRINT THE LABEL.  Please pass this on..  Happy Holidays !!

 

Monday, Oct 26, 2009

FRAUD/TELEPHONE SCAM – MOHAVE COUNTY  
Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of a telephone
scam.  The victim, a Kingman resident, reported receiving a telephone
call about a relative being in jail and needing money.  The victim wired
$3,186 to Quebec Canada.  The victim later found out that the relative
was not in jail and never requested money to be wired.  If you suspect
fraud, contact your local law enforcement office.

MOHAVE SILENT WITNESS
October 5, 2009

TIP OF THE MONTH
The Department of Veterans Affairs has received reports that veterans are being contacted by a "Patient Care Group" that is claiming they are helping to administer the VA's prescription medicine program. The "Patient Care Group" is saying the VA recently changed its pharmacy billing procedures, therefore a personal credit card number is now required for prescription payments in advance of filling those prescriptions. 
This is a scam!  Do not provide credit card information over the phone to anyone who claims they represent the VA!  The VA has not changed their pharmacy procedures, and they do not call and ask veterans to disclose personal financial information over the phone.  If you should receive such a call, do not give them any information. Tell them you are busy and try to get a name and callback number.  Report that information to your local police and Veterans Affairs Office.
Mohave Silent Witness meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6 pm at the Kingman Police Department located at 2730 E Andy Devine Avenue.  The meeting is open to the public to attend.  Get involved, stayed informed and know what is happening in you neighborhood.
To report crimes anonymously call Mohave Silent Witness at (928) 753-1234 or (888) 227-8780.     Brought to you by Silent Witness ~ Stay alert ~ Be Safe.  Do not let yourself become their next victim.

 

5 SEPT 09

New Credit Card Scam


Snopes.Com says this is true. To verify see this site: http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/creditcard.asp

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want.

Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it... This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & Master Card Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

One of our employees was called on Wednesday from 'VISA', and I was called on Thursday from 'Master Card'.. The scam works like this: Caller: 'This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank).. Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in ?'

When you say 'No', the caller continues with, 'Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?'

You say 'yes'. The caller continues - 'I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800 -VISA) and ask for Security.'

You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. 'Do you need me to read it again?'

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, 'I need to verify you are in possession of your card'. He'll ask you to 'turn your card over and look for some numbers'. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, 'That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?' After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, 'Don't hesitate to call back if you do, and hangs up..

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number.. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question.. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to our card.

Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a 'Jason Richardson of Master Card' with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening

MOHAVE SILENT WITNESS
September 4, 2009


TIP OF THE MONTH
    Caution should be exercised when paying for fuel at the pump.
People are installing scanner devices in the fuel pumps.  In turn the
scanner will read the card and pin numbers that are entered.  Later, the
bad guy comes back and downloads the scanner device with all of your
information.  Mohave Silent Witness highly recommends that customers pay
inside rather than at the pump.
    Also, many people are choosing to use their debit card as a credit
transition thereby not having to input a pin number that could get
“High Jacked” and used by others without your knowledge.
Thief’s are quick and very good at what they do and could drain
your bank account in short order.
   To report crimes anonymously call Mohave Silent Witness at (928)
753-1234 or (888) 227-8780.     Brought to you by Silent Witness ~ Stay
alert ~ Be Safe.  Do not let yourself become their next victim.

* July 21st, 2009 *

 

  Newest Scam

The Kingman Police Department has received a new scam, that has been occurring from Canada.  The caller identifies himself as a relative, and states that he has been in an accident or some sort of trouble and needs money wired to him.  The unidentified caller knows information about the family and the victim believes it is their relative and sends the money via a money gram.  The Kingman Police Department currently has taken three reports in reference to this type of scam.  In another case the suspect advises that this is your grandson and gives the proper name.  He then says that he needs money, and to wire it through Western Union. If you have any doubts about this contact your relatives or ask further information about the whereabouts of the relative and family history.