Don’t Fall for the Property Buying Scam Targeting Evansville Residents
Evansville homeowners, beware! The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) has issued a warning about a recent scam targeting local residents. Scammers are making phone calls claiming they are interested in buying your property, but their true intention is to gather your personal information. These fraudsters are slick and may seem convincing, but don’t fall for it—this is a scam.
How Does the Scam Work?
Here’s the lowdown: You receive a phone call from someone who claims to want to purchase your property. They start asking questions that seem harmless at first but are designed to extract personal information, like your Social Security number or financial details. Unfortunately, if you provide any of this information, it could be used for identity theft or financial fraud.
If you think you’ve already fallen victim to this scam, don’t panic. Call the VCSO immediately at 812.421.6200 to report the incident. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of preventing further damage.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams
There are a few simple steps you can take to stay safe from these and other scams:
- Don’t share personal info over the phone or online unless you are 100% sure of the caller's legitimacy.
- Verify the caller's identity by contacting the company or organization directly using official contact information.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited calls and offers. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Report suspicious activity to local authorities or your bank if you think your financial information has been compromised.
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