Guilford County is urging residents to stay alert this holiday season and take steps to protect themselves and their families from scam attempts.
Guilford County will never call to demand immediate payment over the phone or request credit or debit card numbers over the phone or via email.
The county is warning of the following “Twelve Scams of Christmas”:
1. Imposter Scams
Individuals can pose as government officials, law enforcement, or other trusted authorities to steal money or personal information. If it looks or sounds suspicious it probably is. Hang up on strange phone calls and call the organization directly to verify. Watch out for false invoices and letters in the mail as well.
2. Bail Bonds Cons
Fraudulent actors often target vulnerable families of arrested individuals, pretending to be Guilford County bail bondsmen to steal money or personal information. Verify the source by checking online reviews or visiting the office in person.
3. Counterfeit Charities
Fraudulent groups mimic legitimate charities seeking year-end donations. Residents should research organizations before contributing.
4. Romance Ripoffs
Scammers will often profess their feelings for you before getting to know you. They may offer to visit if you can help cover their travel costs, then cancel those plans at the last minute and disappear with your money. Be careful with your heart when online.
5. Cryptocurrency Scams
Fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes use fake investment platforms, impersonation, and phishing tactics to steal digital currency or personal data. Don’t invest in unverified platforms and double-check that apps and websites are legitimate.
6. Gift Card Grifters
Scammers use various deceptive ways to trick people into giving them money through gift cards. Never pay a bill or a person with gift cards. Don’t share your gift car numbers with other people, and don’t buy gift cards on public auction sites.
7. Mailbox Thieves
Scammers may target physical mailboxes to steal money and checks. Avoid sending cash or checks through the mail.
8. Travel Site Schemes
Fraudulent schemes are designed to deceive travelers, like fake vacation offers or fraudulent rental listings. Do your research on vacation offers and rentals that appear to be too good to be true.
9. Porch Pirates
Be aware of thieves who steal packages from your doorsteps or porches. Oftentimes having a doorbell or porch camera can help minimize theft. If you have one, consider registering your camera with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office to help protect you and your neighbors.
10. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Deep Fakes
Scammers can use AI technology to create realistic videos that appear to show celebrities or someone you know requesting money or information.
11. Fake Job Listings
Fake job postings are fraudulent scams to steal personal information or money. If the interview seems sketchy, the job is probably sketchy.
12. Email Phishing
Phishing emails are fraudulent messages that trick you into revealing sensitive information by impersonating a legitimate source. These emails can direct you to fake websites or use link shortening services to hide the URL. Use caution when responding to unsolicited emails, particularly if the sender requests an immediate response or you notice typos in the email.
Tips to avoid scams:
• Do not send money to anyone claiming to represent Guilford County. Verify suspicious claims.
• Report scam attempts to the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency.
• Ignore unknown numbers. Do not answer or return calls from numbers you do not recognize.
• If you answer a suspicious call, hang up immediately without engaging.
• Never press buttons or provide personal information with unsolicited callers.
If you see something, say something. If you see any suspicious activity, don’t wait. Call the Sheriff’s Office at (336) 641-3694 or (336) 373-2222.
For more information on holidays scams and ways to protect yourself and your family, visit GuilfordCountyNC.gov/Anti-Scam.