BY GINNY RAUE
WEST MILFORD — “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” West Milford Police Department (WMPD) Captain Rich Fiorilla said. He was speaking of the perpetrators of telephone scams, identity and computer theft and a myriad of other rip-offs that plague the nation. West Milford is no exception.
While there may be certain target groups, everyone is at risk. Scammers are assertive, demanding and use the right buzz words to sound legitimate. Public awareness is one way to fight back because in the case of scams, ignorance is not bliss.
Local IRS scam
Recently a West Milford resident fell victim to a telephone caller who identified himself as an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent and threatened the victim with an arrest warrant if he didn’t immediately pay $3,417 in back taxes. When he said he didn’t have that much money, the phony agent agreed to settle for $1,829.
Withdrawing the money from his bank, the victim purchased pre-paid debit cards and gave the code numbers to the “agent.” The swindler now had immediate access to the money and the victim will more than likely never recoup his loss.
“I believe that the IRS will send something in the mail. I’m not aware of any government agency that will demand money over the phone,” Fiorilla said.
If you suspect something is amiss, ask for a call back number and terminate the call. Do not use that number but rather look up the agency or company and call them directly.
Is your grandson in a Mexican prison?
While that’s highly unlikely, people have bought into this scam and forwarded bail money. You think you would never fall for such a sting but these “professionals” know how to push the right buttons.
Take for example the threat of an arrest over the phone. Be assured the police will not call ahead.
“If we have a warrant we will come to your door,” Fiorilla said.
While there may be circumstances when an officer may call and ask for personal information, it’s safer to ask the caller’s name, end the call, look up the number of the police department then call and ask for that person.
Technology and the scam artist
Modern technology and the ability to infiltrate and manipulate is a boon to the scammer. “Magic Jack” telephone numbers are bought cheaply and used for all sorts of nefarious calls. Once the number is compromised, they ditch it and move on to the next number. They can mimic other telephone numbers and influence your caller identification system and that doesn’t begin to touch on internet fraud and credit/debit card scams.
“Remote access can be a very dangerous thing. If you become suspicious, disconnect from the internet but also pull the plug on the computer,” Fiorilla said.
Don’t buy the Brooklyn Bridge
You hear of a summer rental at the shore, send a deposit and await your vacation. One problem, the house doesn’t exist. Or, you’re buying a car on Craig’s List. The owner promises to deliver it but needs gas and toll money to get it there. Surprise. There is no car and you’ve been had.
Scams go in all directions. Fiorilla told of one rip-off scheme related to selling on-line.
You have a larger item for sale, maybe a dining room set. The caller wants to purchase the item and sends a check for an amount significantly over the purchase price to cover shipping with the request that you return any over payment.
“For example the set is $500. They send a check for $1,500. It’s always much more than you are asking,” he said.
You cash the check and send back the excess amount and don’t hear from your bank for up to 10 days that the check was 100 percent rubber. And now you’re paying bank fees, too.
It’s April 15, you send in your tax forms and anticipate a refund. Unfortunately, earlier in the year you lost your refund when a scammer filed under your name and information, after filing on-line or possibly sending in a prior change of address notification, and he has been enjoying your money for months.
“A lot of this originates overseas and it’s tough for law enforcement to reach overseas. There is no international police force investigating this,” Fiorilla said.
Seniors and scams
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seniors are at risk for several different reasons; they are usually homeowners, they tend to have savings and good credit. They were raised in a different time when being polite and trusting was the norm. They don’t easily just say no and hang up.
Sometimes seniors are unaware they’ve been scammed, or if they do they’re too embarrassed to report it. They may also fear their capacity for handling their finances may come into question. Scammers also count on the effects of aging on memory to protect them from detailed and accurate reporting to the police.
Be on the alert – protect yourself
While the days of “gypsy scams” guys knocking at your door to sweep your chimney or pave your driveway, are not as prevalent, they still exist. A recent “good deal” turned sour when a resident paid for a driveway sealant only to later find the sealant was nothing but a coat of oil.
When the “Publisher’s Clearing House” calls and says you’ve won a boatload of money, just pre-pay the taxes, think long and hard. Your ship really hasn’t come in.
It’s strongly recommended that residents refrain from giving out personal information or sending money to a solicitor until they are certain they are legitimate. It’s advisable to do routine credit checks to be sure no one has taken out a mortgage or opened a credit account in your name.
“Be vigilant,” Fiorilla said. “If it sound too good to be true, it usually is.”
There have been 61 calls so far this year to the WMPD regarding frauds, thefts or attempts. The police ask that any suspicious or threatening calls be reported to them.
Remember that scammers cannot take your money – you have to give it to them, outright or inadvertently by letting down your guard.