Legislator Denise Ford, County Executive Ed Mangano and Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter are urging citizens to be vigilant when receiving telephone solicitations requesting payment via Green Dot cards or Western Union.
It has come to the attention of the Nassau County Police Department that individuals are receiving calls from persons claiming that they owe money for unpaid taxes or utility bills. In these cases individuals are contacted by scammers claiming that they are federal or utility company employees and that the individual called owes money. These victims are told they can avoid arrest, foreclosure or suspension/termination of services if they make payment to the caller using Green Dot cards or Western Union.
In another scam a caller states that an individual has missed jury duty, or a family member has been kidnapped, held hostage, or involved in an auto accident. The caller may claim to be a law enforcement officer. The victim is told to send money either through Western Union or via Green Dot card to keep from being arrested or to help the family member. A threat of serious physical injury against the person being held was made if the money was not sent.
In addition to these, we have seen scams advising individuals that they have won large sums of money, phone calls or notifications, by mail or online, advising that individuals are approved for a loan or grant, or winners of a sweepstakes lottery. In some instances they even receive a partial bank check of the winnings that appears to be legitimate, but an up front payment for processing fees is requested before funds can be claimed.
THESE SCAMS COST HONEST CITIZENS THOUSANDS OF UNRECOVERABLE DOLLARS
This information is being provided to residents to make them aware of these ongoing telephone scams and urging them to report any similar incidents to the Nassau County Police Department.
If you believe you may have been a victim of this scam, please call 911 immediately. Do not send money if a caller requires that you send money “right now!” Never wire money to someone you don’t know well; once your money has been paid at the other end, you will not get it back.
Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the individual(s) responsible please call
Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS (8477) All callers remain anonymous.