The Calvert investigative team has recently learned of several new “phishing” scams.
The suspect(s) send out emails to males and females that have enrolled in on-line dating services, (Match.com, Yahoo Personals, and American Singles) in the hopes that they can gain the victims’ confidence.
Once they gain the victims’ confidence, they ask if they will help them cash money orders, or send money, in order to free up additional funds they have tied up. Some of these individuals can be identified because of their poor grammar skills and vocabulary.
The second scam involves telephone calls to the victims’ residence. The suspect(s) calls the victim and advises that they have won the lottery or a grant. The money can only be released if the victim gives the suspect(s) a specific amount of money. The caller often tells the victim that it can all be handled over the telephone if the victim provides an account number where the money can be debited.
This scam can be identified by several means, first did you purchase a lottery ticket or have you applied for a grant? Did you fully understand the caller? Request their call back number to verify the legitimacy of the business, and finally use good common sense – people just don’t give money away.
For anonymous tips and possible reward contact crime solvers (410) 535-2880.