Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Criminals have no limitations on who they target when it comes to phone scams; even 9-1-1. On April 14, 2009 the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department received two calls on 9-1-1 with a recording stating the call was from the security division of the Ventura County Credit Union and that a debit card had been compromised. The recording also requested that the 9-1-1 dispatcher enter his debit card number for verification purposes. An investigation confirmed that phone scammers placed these calls.

Anyone with a phone can become a victim if they fall for the request(s) that the perpetrator or recording present. When in doubt, be inquisitive with the caller and with yourself.

Telemarketers are required to give you their name, the company they are calling on behalf of and the product they are selling. If they don’t provide you with this information, there’s your first red flag and decline their service(s) or product. If a telemarketer asks you to pay for a portion of the “free prize” you have just won it’s no longer free. Do not give them your credit card or debit card information because if you do, you have just
made a donation, right into the suspect’s pocket.

Don’t ever confirm your personal information such as social security number, driver’s license, credit card, debit card or bank account number over the phone. Even though this individual may already have your information, if you confirm it, you have basically given them the “go ahead” or the “okay” that you agree with a charge or you agree with them having your information to begin with.

Recognize fraudulent activity. Be diligent and pro-active by always checking your monthly statements and if you feel you have been a victim of a phone scam, report it. You can find more valuable information on identity theft and phone scams at the Federal Trade Commission website at www.ftc.gov or you may call them at 1-877-FTC-HELP.