How to Beat the Heat and Telephone Scammers

It's been a hot summer here in Roseville so I thought it would be a good time to discuss a few ways to beat the heat and ensure you stay safe in the hot weather. Heat related injury and illness can be serious so a few steps will keep you out of harm’s way.

- Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor in your home. Also consider visiting a library or the mall where the AC is always going.

- Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and don’t forget the hat.

- Drink water. Carry water and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty.

- Eat frequent and small meals. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.

- Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity but if you must be active do it during the morning hours which are usually the coolest part of the day.

- Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly or home-bound residents in your neighborhood.

If you encounter someone with a heat related illness or injuries call 911. 

As air conditioning bills goes up as the heat rises outside, some very timely scammers are taking advantage of people’s interest in getting a little relief with the bill.

There is a new identity theft scam which starts by placing a call to an unknowing resident claiming to be a state or federal agency. The supposed agency staffer informs you of a stimulus or grant program whereby the government will pay one month of your utilities. All you have to do is call a particular phone number and provide some personal information like your social security number and bank account routing numbers, and your gas or electric bill will be credited in full with no payment necessary.

This is a scam. There is no government program that provides blanket grants to cover your utility bill. This scheme is just another example of scammers trying to obtain your personal and financial information. If you think something might be a scam, consider these tips:

- Offers too good to be true usually are. Especially if the offer is only good for that specific moment and you must decide right now if you want to participate.

- No institution will call to “confirm or verify” your information. Even if they discuss consequences like your service being disconnected or credit reporting. Get a copy of your last statement and call the number listed to verify the claim.

- Any legitimate offer can send you something in writing. This gives you the opportunity to think about the offer and check with a trusted associate like a friend, neighbor, or family member.

- Don’t be fooled by a name. Scammers have been known to impersonate your children, your mortgage company, even police officers. Always verify who you’re talking to and ask if you can call them back. 

If you get a call similar to this just hang up. If you have questions any suspected scam or identity theft please call the Police Department at 774-5000.