Sartell Police Offer Up Tips to Help Avoid Scams

Is it just me or does it seem like there are a lot more scam stories lately? I'm chalking it up to scammers trying to get part of your stimulus and tax refund money.

The Sartell Police Department has offered up tips via Facebook to help educate you so you can better recognize when a scam is taking place.

According to the department you're not supposed to talk to telemarketers. Hang up, don't answer, do what you need to in order to avoid the conversation.

Don't give out your credit card numbers, bank ID numbers, driver's license number, account passwords or IDs or any other numbers for that matter.

You should file your taxes early so scammers can't do it for you.

There are many email scams circulating right now. The best way to deal with those is to delete them immediately if they're from people you don't know.

You should shred any bank or credit card statements along with other documents containing personal or sensitive information.

The Sartell PD also says you shouldn't give in to pushy people on the phone or in person. One tactic scammers use is claiming to be a grandchild or relative asking for money or other items/information of value. If something seems suspicious, don't give them any information. Instead, hang up the phone and call your relative back at the number you have for them.

There are several other common scams you should know about including;

• Business schemes
• Home repairs
• Utility inspector
• Insurance fraud
• Medical fraud/miracle cures
• Property Scams
• Phony charities
• Debt consolidation
• Bank scams
• Investment scams
• Foreign/domestic lottery

If you think you might be a victim of a scam or fraud you should contact your local police department. If there was no financial loss, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357.