Fraud Schemes
Stay Alert
You should be very critical of unsolicited telephone calls from phony businesses, banking institutions, foreign countries, or government agencies where promises or threats are made.
Numerous fraud schemes involving mortgage assistance, outstanding tax collection, foreign government assistance, and even to companies promising to return money lost are impacting citizens throughout the county. These scams almost always request money be paid up front for services, or the threat of arrest, eviction or property seizure is made.
- Counterfeit Check Scams
- Curb Painting
- IRS Scams
- Jury Duty Scams
- Overdue Bill Scam
- Senior Targeted Scams
How It Works
The scammer offers to buy an item for several hundred dollars (or more), but use a counterfeit check. Once the check is delivered, the check scammer claims they mistakenly overpaid the agreed-upon amount.
The scammer then simply requests the recipient/victim cash or deposit the check and return the difference of over-payment via a money order or cash. When the check is processed, the victim receives a call or email from the bank, informing the victim that the counterfeit check deposited did not clear, causing the account to become overdrawn.
Tips to Avoid Fake Check Scams
Here are tips to avoid check scams:
- Confirm before you withdraw cash:
A check can take several days to clear, and, until then, you are responsible for any funds withdrawn against it. To make sure the check cleared, call your bank. - Be wary of checks received from unknown individuals:
When selling to someone you don't know, it is safer to accept PayPal, cash or credit card payments. - Do not accept overpayments:
When selling on Craigslist or similar sites, don't take more than the sales price, no matter what convincing story the buyer tells you. - Check your online bank statements frequently:
Don't wait for monthly statements. If you see something you don't recognize, call your financial institution immediately.
Additional Information
Read more about check scams and banking apps on National Consumers League's Fraud.
Tips for avoiding other common fraud schemes can be located on the Federal Bureau of Investigation website.
You can report criminal activity at the FBI online Tips and Public Leads form.
Curb Painting
Curb painting service notices have been found on residents' doorsteps. The notice asks residents for a voluntary donation to repaint address numbers on the curb. Some flyers claim to be using the funds to help disabled people and needy children. These alleged charitable companies can be scams.
Residents are not required to have home address numbers painted on the curb. If you observe an unauthorized paint crew operating in your neighborhood or if you are harassed by an individual asking for payment for curb painting services, please report the activity to your local law enforcement agency or call 800-950-2444.
Residents are under no obligation to pay for any services rendered. Residents should verify the authenticity of any charitable institution prior to donating money or property. Recognized charitable institutions can be verified on the IRS website.
IRS Scams
Scamm ers are targeting citizens with threats of arrest or liens against property for failing to pay past tax debts. The scammers then obtain credit card information or instruct the citizen to obtain a Green Dot card for the "outstanding tax debt." Once this information is given to the scammer, the funds are immediately withdrawn.
Making Contact
The IRS usually first contacts people by mail - not by phone - about unpaid taxes. And the IRS won't ask for payment using a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer. The IRS also won't ask for a credit card number over the phone.
Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) website recommends If you get a call from someone claiming to be with the IRS asking for a payment, here's what to do:
- If you owe Federal taxes, or think you might owe taxes, hang up and call the IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help you with your payment questions.
- If you don't owe taxes, fill out the IRS Impersonation scam form on TIGTA's website, or call TIGTA at 800-366-4484.
- You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Add "IRS Telephone Scam" to the comments in your complaint.
TIGTA and the IRS encourage taxpayers to be alert for phone and email scams that use the IRS name. The IRS will never request personal or financial information by email, texting or any social media. You should forward scam emails via email Phishing. Don't open any attachments or click on any links in those emails.
Jury Duty: Impersonating Law Enforcement or Court Systems
In the one type of scheme, the caller claims to be a member of law enforcement, or the court system. The victim is told he or she has a warrant for failing to appear for jury duty. The caller demands payment for the warrant via credit card information, or a Green Dot card.
The suspect typically remains on the phone with the victim while he or she travels to the store to obtain the Green Dot card. The suspect further instructs the victim not to tell anyone who they are talking with. After obtaining the serial numbers to the Green Dot cards, the money deposited to the card is immediately removed by the suspect.
No Riverside County Court or Sheriff's Department employee will ever contact the public and ask for financial information or payment in lieu of attending court proceedings, or to make up for failure to appear for jury duty.
Overdue Bill: Impersonating Utility or Service Provider Companies
In another scheme, the caller claims to be from a utility, or a service provider-type company. The victim is told their bill is overdue, or a meter needs to be replaced at the victim's expense. The caller demands immediate payment for the overdue bill, or installation of a new meter. If payment is not received, the victim's service will be shut off. The caller demands credit card information or a Green Dot card as described in the first scheme.
This is also a fraudulent call. The caller is not connected with any utility or service providers. Victims are encouraged to advise the caller they will call the utility company directly, and end the phone call. You should then contact the utility company through legitimate and verified numbers.
Seniors Are Targeted
Community members have reported receiving suspicious telephone calls from young people claiming to be their grandchildren. These scammers asked for money for medical expenses, to avoid arrest, post bail or to purchase food. You are strongly encouraged to contact your local law enforcement agency, or an allied government agency, before providing these scammers any money or personal information.
Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly (CARE)
Older community members are most often targeted and victimized in these cases. Riverside County residents who are 65 years or older, or dependent adults (18 to 64 years old) can contact the Department of Public Social Services Adult Services Division CARE Program at any time for assistance. CARE provides education to seniors and dependent adults, and one-on-one advocacy to those who need assistance filing complaints with regulatory or investigating agencies.
- California Department of Consumer Affairs
800-952-5210 - Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly (CARE) Program
800-476-7506 - Federal Trade Commission
202-326-2222 - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
800-289-9999 - State of California Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General
800-952-5225
Tips for avoiding common fraud schemes can be located on the Federal Bureau of Investigation website.