UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio — Anti-scam information from University Heights police: Included in this week’s email wrap-up from the city of University Heights to its residents is some good information for those who want to avoid being scammed.
The UHPD piece states: “Did you get a call from someone claiming to be from . . .
— Amazon claiming that someone made a large purchase and you will need to pay them in gift cards to cancel the transaction?
— Tech support saying that your computer has been hacked and the only way to get rid of the virus is by buying gift cards and reading the numbers to the support technician over the phone?
— A government agency saying that you have a warrant for your arrest and the only way to settle the matter is by paying them with gift cards?
— Someone saying that a family member has been arrested and you can bail them out by paying them in gift cards?
“Scammers have a lot of practice sounding believable,” the UHPD states, “but they’re really just trying to go after your money. If you get a call from someone demanding that you pay them with gift cards, STOP. It is a scam.”
It is also noted that scammers might tell you you need to pay with a gift card to pay an IRS debt, keep your Social Security benefits, keep your home’s utilities working, help a member of the military in need of money, or avoid arrest for some made-up offense or to avoid deportation.
If you hear such nonsense, hang up the phone. Gift cards are for gifts, not for…
