LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Officials with the Meridian Township Police Department are warning residents regarding a rise in phone scams.
The department said some people have lost their life savings to phone scams.
“In some scams, they act friendly and helpful. In others, they might threaten or try to scare you,” the department wrote on social media. “One thing you can count on is that a phone scammer will try to get your money or your personal information to commit identity theft.”
The department released the following tips to help residents recognize a phone scam:
- There is no prize. The caller might say you were “selected” for an offer or that you’ve won a lottery. But if you have to pay to get the prize, it’s not a prize.
- You won’t be arrested. Scammers might pretend to be law enforcement or a federal agency. They might say you’ll be arrested, fined, or deported if you don’t pay taxes or some other debt right away. The goal is to scare you into paying. But real law enforcement and federal agencies won’t call and threaten you.
- You don’t need to decide now. Most legitimate businesses will give you time to think their offer over and get written information about it before asking you to commit. Take your time. Don’t get pressured into making a decision on the spot.
- There’s never a good reason to send cash or pay with a gift card. Scammers…
