There is also a red light scam where the caller tells the victim they have been caught on camera running a red light. The scammer says the only way to avoid getting in trouble was by purchasing a pre-paid credit card and then giving them the information over the phone. Police say they do not ask for payments over the phone so this should be a warning sign that someone is trying to scam you.
Lt. Tim Robinson from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office tells us about the common scams going on around Delmarva. There are many scams occurring now that are targeting older members. The caller pretends to be a grandchild or relative to the elder and then they ask for immediate money.
The scammers try to attack people who are very trusting, such as older members who do not believe someone would threaten them. The other way scammers try to get you is by telling you that you have won a contest. To protect yourself from the scams you need to ask yourself if you entered the contest and that if you really won the contest, there is no fee to protect your winnings.
Lt. Robinson says if it sounds like it’s too good to be true or they are using a lot of pressure, then it is most likely a scammer. If it is real, they will send you a letter requesting a check, not payment over the phone.
