03-11-08
SCAM INFORMATION
The Wise County Sheriff’s Office has received information from a
citizen, stating that he had received
a call from someone claiming to be from the Texas Fire Association and was
soliciting donations. The citizen noticed that the caller ID was that of a
private number and when the citizen requested identification, the caller hung up
the phone.
The citizen stated that the same caller then called again and asked why
he was being so difficult, to which the citizen replied that he thought,
if the caller’s business was legitimate, he would be happy to give him
identifying information.
This type of phone call is common with identity theft offenses, as just
another way to get personal identification. If you receive one of these calls,
ask a lot of questions—then ask the caller to send information through the
mail. As we always remind citizens—never release any personal information over
the phone or the internet.
Information concerning another scam was reported by an area business who
received a call requesting the business support the area school district by
purchasing sponsorship on a tote bag. The business had the tote bag company send
information to them concerning the ad. The business then called the school
district to verify that this was a school sponsored project. They were told the
school district did not have any connection with the organization and that had
not requested the company solicit for advertising sponsorship.
Any time you are approached to sponsor an event or a project for another
organization or what appears to be a good cause, always request the information
be sent to you by U.S. Mail. Contact the organization or cause to verify that
they are, in fact, requesting assistance from that company or individual.
If
this department can be of any assistance, feel free to contact us and we will
follow up on any concerns. Remember, that if anything sounds too good to be
true, it probably is.
Sgt
Debbie Denney
Public Information Officer