NEW SCAM ALERT

SOFFAST would like members of the community to be aware of a new scam, particularly targeting the elderly population. The scammer contacts a victim and claims to be their grandchild. Often the scammer has correct information, including the grandchild's name and general information. The scammer claims to have been in an accident or arrested in Canada and requires money to get out of jail. The scammer requests their grandparent wire them money via Western Union or Money Gram into Canada so they can post bail and/or pay court fees. The scammers are very convincing and several residents in the area have fallen victim to this scam or have reported receiving these phone calls.

Always confirm the identity of the person requesting money. Contact your grandchildren directly, or their parents to confirm their whereabouts. Even if the scammer asks that you not "tell their parents".

Never send money by wire out of the country to an unknown source. There is no way to get it back once it is wired. If you are sure it is your grandchild requesting money, find out where they were arrested and contact the police/courts in that area directly, requesting information on how to post bail.

Do not trust any information the person on the phone provides, including phone numbers to their lawyer, the courts or the police. Look up the information yourself and contact the appropriate law enforcement agency directly.

It is unfortunate that scammers prey upon their victim's concern for family members. Because of their urgency and familiarity with the victims, they have been successful in obtaining money. Take time to verify the information the caller provides and do not act hastily. Do not wire money before contacting other relatives and your local law enforcement agency.

MEDIA RELEASE
Medford Police Department
411 W 8th Street
Medford, OR 97501

Date: January 22, 2009

Contact: Det. Sgt. Kevin Walruff Chief Randy Schoen
541-774-2229


The Medford Police Department Financial Investigation Section is warning the public of a text message scam (phising scam) that has gone out this morning. The scam is saying “as part of s protection program, call us at 559-478-2039 to verify your account”.

This is a scam and there is no reason to respond to this text message. Do not call the number on the text message.

The Bank of the Cascades is the bank targeted in this scam. Bank of the Cascades advised they do not conduct business via text messages. The Bank of the Cascades security division believes this scam is being generated from outside the United States.

Welcome to the Southern Oregon Financial Fraud and Security Team's (SOFFAST) blog. This is our venue to post information on recent frauds and scams that are circulating in the Southern Oregon area. All of the previous posts will be archived, so feel free to search the blog for specific scams if you don't see the information you need in a recent post. Also, feel free to e-mail us with questions regarding financial fraud and scams in general. We are happy to provide information and help you avoid becoming a vicitm of identity theft, elder exploitation, international lottery scams, "Mystery Shopper" scams, e-bay/craigslist scams and the many other that are out there.

SOFFAST's primary goal is to assist financial institutions and law enforcement in their fight against financial crime. Part of attaining that goal consists of helping the public avoid victimization. If we work together as an organization we can help prevent and limit losses due to financial fraud.

Thank you for visiting the blog. We look forward to posting more information and becoming your resource in the Southern Oregon region for financial fraud information. Feel free to subscribe to the blog so you can receive notices whenever new information is posted.