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Posts Tagged ‘fraud’

Tomorrow: How to avoid Too Good to Be True fraud and scams

Posted in Events, tagged , , , , , , , , on July 16, 2014 | Leave a Comment »

Too Good To Be True

Thursday, July 17, 6:30 p.m.

Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St.

Lifelong Decatur Third Thursday series hosts a panel of experts on avoiding fraud and scams, especially those targeting older adults. Whether you are concerned for yourself or a loved one, learn steps to prevent being taken advantage of by investment scams, telemarketing schemes and other fraud, identity theft, and financial exploitation of older adults and other vulnerable individuals.

The panel includes Sgt. Jennifer Ross, Decatur Police Department Community Information and Education Officer; Jeanne Canavan, DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office; and Elder and Family Law attorney Donald S. Horace, Esq.

Think you or someone you know has been a victim of a scam? Here are some resources for help:

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Decatur Police Alert: Fraudulent Website

Posted in Community, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 16, 2014 | Leave a Comment »

Sgt. Jennifer S. Ross with the Decatur Police Department shares the following:

On 4-16-14, Decatur Police were made aware of what appears to be a fraudulent auto dealer website.  The website http://dealerplatform.com/autocenter claims their auto center to be physically located at 700 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030. That address does not exist. The site offers an on-line finance application and once approved you are to travel to the auto center to complete the purchase of a vehicle.

It is possible the purpose behind the site is to obtain the personal information required to complete the on-line finance application which puts you at risk for becoming the victim of identity fraud. Please use caution when completing online applications and confirm the physical location of the business. Best practice is to complete finance paperwork upon visiting the seller.  For more information on fraud prevention and scam alerts, please visit the Federal Trade Commission website.

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Fraud is NOT Festive

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , on December 4, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

More holiday safety tips from Sgt. Ross:

fraud is not festive

The next topic in our Holiday Safety Series covers tips for online shopping.  Most of us are already busier than we should be without adding holiday shopping to the endless list of things we need “to-do”.  I don’t like considering holiday shopping a chore because that diminishes the very purpose of why I am shopping in the first place.  I try to make most of my holiday shopping a chance to spend time with friends, grab a bite, catch up and take care of our shopping lists.  However, I usually end up online trying to find a certain item, like the Spiderman shoes with illuminated eyes that arrived today for my 4-year-old Godson, and I know the risks.  I have been the victim of identity fraud twice in six years but the convenience of online shopping outweighs any paranoia I may have.  It is simply a way of life for many of us so just follow a few tips to try to reduce your risk.

  • Before surfing the Internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. Everyone’s computer should have anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam software, as well as a good firewall installed.
  • Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL address.
  • Shop with companies you know and trust. Check for background information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company.
  • Do not click on pop-up ads for surveys, prize offers or anti-virus alerts. This is a common way for your personal information to be grabbed or your computer to be infected.
  • After you have made your purchase, check your billing statements to monitor transactions: Immediately report any discrepancy to your bank

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