Police say several types of fraud schemes and scams have been reported and such cases are on the rise in Gastonia.
The city saw an 8.15 percent increase in fraud, false pretense and swindling incidents from January to July 2012, compared to the same time frame last year, according to Gastonia Police Department.
Scams use varying techniques including fear to take advantage of victims.
One type of scam involves online employment with people receiving and re-shipping packages, often out of the country. The “employers” send packaging materials, shipping labels and communicate via email, said Detective Andy Pinney with Gastonia Police Department in a release.
“The victims will receive packages of merchandise that were purchased or obtained illegally and then are required to re-package the items and ship them to the address provided by the employer,” he said. “Generally the ‘employer’ is operating some form of illicit business and many of the items will be shipped internationally.”
Authorities also warn against collection scams involving people representing themselves as law enforcement agents or state attorneys contacting potential victims to collect fraudulent debts.
Tactics involved threatening to have the victim arrested if they don’t pay the debt immediately.
“Based on what we have seen locally, the victim is required to purchase a pre-paid debit card and provide the scammer the card information to pay the debt. These scammers are very pushy, persuasive, and often have much of the victim’s personal information, including employment information,” he said. “In some cases the scammers have called the victims at their place of work and threatened to speak with their employers about the debts owed.”
Gastonia police also say that scams targeting home rentals have also been reported.
Scammers advertise rental property on online sites such as Craigslist and the homes are often vacant or for sale. The scammer requires a rental application that, when approved, requires a security deposit and payment of the first month’s rent.
An indicator of this type of scam is when a “landlord” says that they’re already out of town and that all correspondence is done via distance.
Scammers may also say that the home can only be viewed from the outside and to disregard any “for sale” or “for rent” signs posted at the home, Pinney said in the release.
Tips to prevent scams
Pinney warns residents to not to give out personal information to people they do not know. Scams and fraud-related incidents should be reported to local police departments and the Federal Trade Commission.
If targeted by an attempted fraud, gather details including names and contact information. Reports to the FTC can be done online and this helps detect fraud patterns nationwide.
If the scammer already has personal information such as a Social Security number, residents may want to do an initial fraud alert with credit reporting bureaus to prevent attempts of obtaining credit using a victim’s identity.
Additionally, passwords to online accounts should be changed regularly to prevent unauthorized access, according to police.
Gazette reporter Wade Allen can be reached at 704-869-1828; twitter.com/gazettewade.