Bryan Ward - Scammers

Scammers are becoming ever more sophisticated in their approach. They at times will target our ethnic communities who they perceive as more vulnerable. They can even manipulate their number to make it to appear that they are calling from another number.

Please spread the word and ask your family and friends to be vigilant. If your receive calls requesting payment etc. then please hang up and if in doubt call the local agency/department that the scammer alleges to be calling from. DO NOT make any payments or follow any instructions over the phone (unless you are 100% sure who they are)

Scammers may call you to tell you that:

• You have won money
• They are from the Police department or other government department requesting money or information immediately.
• They have an ideal investment plan that will generate you money
• They are from a shares/trading company
• They have the ideal investing strategy within the stock market.
• That a loved one of yours is arrested or needs help.
• They are calling from a Charity and raising funds for a good cause.
• They are a political victim of an overseas authoritarian government and are trying to relocate their funds but need your help. In turn they will reward you in huge amounts of cash.

In almost all cases, they normally require you to deposit an amount before they can proceed with the benefits. THIS is where the scam occurs. You deposit the money, but may never hear back from them. In other cases they may ask for more. Often times, they make their claim sound more credible by knowing your name and other details.

Once again DO NOT make any payments or follow any instructions over the phone (unless you are 100% sure who they are)