The Munster Police Department is warning residents to watch for these common types of telephone scams
• GRANDPARENT SCAM: The caller will identify himself or herself as their grandson/granddaughter, and will often know the grandchild’s real name. They will often advise that they were arrested, in an accident, or had some other type of tragedy occur to them where money is needed immediately.
• IRS/FBI SCAM: The caller will identify himself or herself as an agent from the FBI, IRS, or police department while advising that the resident either owes back taxes or has a warrant for their arrest. The caller will advise the resident to either provide their bank account number or to purchase gift cards at the store and to read them over the phone to satisfy the debt or to pay off the warrant. Remember that caller ID’s can be masked now.
• LOTTERY SCAM: A caller will identify himself or herself as being from a lottery, and will advise the resident to wire money or buy green dot cards to satisfy the taxes for the lottery winnings.
• CHARITY SCAMS: The caller will advise that they are from the Salvation Army or police department, and will ask for donations. In regards to ANY of these types of scams listed above, NEVER give personal information or purchase green dot cards for unknown individuals. Call the police when necessary.
• COMPUTER SCAMS: The caller will advise that they are from your internet service, PayPal service, or your virus prevention service while stating that they need remote access to your computer to clear up an issue. They will attempt to get into your computer to access your bank accounts and will also often request that you purchase gift cards and read them the redemption codes to “fix” your situation.