Sheriff`s Corner

Hello everyone and welcome to the Sheriff's Corner. This week's Corner will again have several purposes.

As you know, the column has been produced and paid for by me for the past several weeks. I'm sorry to say that I will not be able to continue this column at this time due to the cost. As you know I'm running for re-election and will have a need of our papers for campaign items. This coupled with the cost of the "Corner" will be too great at this time. So this "Corner" will be the last one until after the campaign and elections have been completed.

I'm proud of your Sheriff's Office. We've come a great distance these past three years and we'll continue to focus on you our citizens and you law enforcement needs. You can call me anytime.

In closing, I'd like to tell you about a credit card scam being seen. The information has been confirmed by both VISA and MasterCard. This telephone scam happens as follows. The person one the line says, this is (name) and I'm calling from the security and fraud department at VISA. My badge number is 12460 or some other numbers. They continue, "Your card has been flagged for unusual purchase patterns, and I'm calling to verify." The caller knows your bank name and asks if you purchased a certain product. When you say "No", they say they'll be initiating a fraud investigation and even invite you to call the toll-free number of the credit card company if you have any questions.

Before hanging up, the caller "wants to verify that you are in possession of your card." They ask for the three digit "security numbers" on the back. Once you read it, they confirm that you're correct and again tell you you can call the credit card company if you have any questions.

The problem. Within minutes of hanging up from the call, charges will start mounting on your card. Those numbers plus limited other information gets them going. Be skeptical. If they're asking for any information get a number to call them before telling them anything. When you ask for this, often they just hang up. Take care. Be safe.

Click for printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend