The Asotin Police Department is alerting residents to recent phishing scams targeting the community and urging everyone to stay vigilant to protect personal and financial information.
Over the past few weeks, residents have reported receiving suspicious phone calls and messages claiming to be from legitimate organizations. Two notable scams include: Washington Transportation Department Scam: Victims received calls claiming they had overdue citations requiring immediate payment. The caller pressured individuals to pay over the phone, often requesting sensitive financial information.
Local Bank Impersonation Scam: Scammers used names similar to local banks, with slight variations, to convince victims that their bank accounts had been hacked. These calls aimed to prompt recipients to provide personal banking details.
Important Tips to Protect Yourself:
Never Share Personal Information: Do not give out your Social Security number, bank account details,
passwords, or other sensitive information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller’s identity.
Verify the Caller: If you receive an unexpected call, hang up and independently verify the organization’s
contact information by searching official websites or calling the organization directly using a known
phone number.
Be Wary of Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure quick decisions. Take your time to assess the situation carefully. Use Official Channels: Always contact organizations via their official phone numbers or websites to confirm any suspicious claims.
Keep Software Updated: Ensure your phone and computer security software are current to block malicious attempts.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you believe you’ve been targeted or have received a scam call, contact your local police or report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For cybercrimes and internet-enabled fraud, contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
The Asotin Police Department remains committed to safeguarding our community. Stay informed, be cautious,
and help us spread awareness to prevent others from falling victim to scams.
