During the holiday season and beyond, EGR Public Safety reminds community members to be alert of potential fraud via phone calls and text messages.
In 2021, it was estimated Americans lost $29.8 billion to phone scams alone. With both the number of victims and the expense of the scams increasing, it’s important to take steps to minimize your risk of falling victim to bad actors.
While they can take many forms, common phone scams include the caller:
- Pretending to be from an organization you know.
- Confronting you with a problem or offering a prize.
- Pressuring you into immediate action.
- Telling you to pay them in a specific way.
“The EGR community needs to be aware that fraud can occur anytime, anywhere,” East Grand Rapids Public Safety Chief Mark Herald said. “If something doesn’t seem right – even in the slightest – do not engage with the solicitor and report the suspicious activity to police. Public Safety is a community resource here to investigate cases of fraud.”
The Federal Trade Commission outlines a few tips to protect consumers from fraud, including:
- Block unwanted calls and text messages.
- Do not provide your personal or financial information in response to a request you did not initiate.
- Resist pressure to act immediately.
- Stop and talk to someone you trust.
To report a suspected case of fraud or other non-emergency, contact East Grand Rapids Public Safety at 616.949.7010.