Beware: Internet Scams Claim Thousands from Victims

Many residents have fallen victim to internet scams recently. Although a threat from new technology can be frightening, the good news is that the scams are completely avoidable if one knows what to look for.

Clarkstown and Orangetown PD have reported three common types of internet scams going around currently.

1. Congrats! You won the lotto!

Congratulations! You were magically entered into a lotto from the UK or Nicaragua and won millions! However, to collect the money you must send them all of your bank information so they can deposit it for you. Or you must pay a small amount so they can send it to you.

You cannot be entered into a lottery without entering yourself. If you did not enter yourself into a lotto but someone is insisting you won, it's too good to be true.

2. Bail/Inhertience

You must help bail a family member out of jail or you've inherited a large amount of money from a distant family member.

Families can be wonderful ways for scammers to tug at your heart and open your wallet. If your family wants to contact you, they can call you, especially for something as important as bail or a large inheritance.

3. Chimney Sweeps

Chimney Sweeps go around offering their services and then steal everything you have. If you need your chimey swept, go to a reliable, professional company with references.

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Also be mindful if you receive some sort of payment for a favor, job, or product you're selling. Scammers may send you a larger amount and apologize for the mistake, calling it clerical error. They'll ask you to cash the check and then send them the difference via personal check. Weeks later you'll find out that the check didn't cash and all of your money is stolen.

Don't fall for these scams. Knowing what to look for is half the battle.

Things to Look For:

• Make sure rhat when you pay for something online, the url has https:// or a secure lock icon next to the url.
• Check the url for typos. Scammers can easily make websites that look exactly like bank websites or common shopping website and steal your information. 
• Check the email of the person. For example, if a person from Chase Bank is contacting you, their email will be JohnSmith@chasebank.com. Be mindful of fake emails. 

Finally, protect yourself by using personal passwords as opposed to generic ones like password123 or your name. Try to create passwords nobody but you will know and write them in a safe place away from your computer.

If you have any doubts, call Clarkstown PD or Orangetown PD and they will assist you.