Lynn police warn of scammers

LYNN – Police have reported an increase in a variety of scam activities, adding that they receive phone calls about one attempt or another almost every day.Chief Kevin Coppinger related one such attempt Thursday: “My mother received a phone call this morning at 7:30 a.m. from someone who told her, ?this is your grandson.’ The person said that, ?I got arrested today for drunk driving and need some money.’ My mother was frantic. She said she didn’t give any money. I hope this is true. Should I follow up with anyone? I don’t want another elderly person to fall for this scam.””Whether it is an arrest scam, rental property scam, Craigslist scam, paving scam, lottery scam, or an accident scam involving a loved one in another country, they all have the same type of modus operandi or method of operation,” police said in a statement. “If it sounds too good to be true, it is.”Police say to adhere to the following rules to avoid becoming the victim of a scam:? Deal locally, face-to-face; follow this one rule and avoid 99 percent of scam attempts.? Do not extend payment to anyone you have not met in person.? Beware of offers involving shipping; deal with locals you can meet in person.? Never wire funds (i.e.. Western Union). Anyone who asks you to is a scammer.? Don’t accept cashier/certified checks or money orders. Banks cash fakes, then hold you responsible.? Transactions are between users only; no third party provides a “guarantee.”? Never give out financial info (bank account, Social Security, PayPal account, etc).? Do not rent or purchase sight unseen as that amazing “deal” may not exist.? Refuse background/credit checks until you have met the landlord/employer in person.”Don’t become a victim of a scam, and call the police before you cash that check you received or wire those funds to someone whom you have never met,” police said. “It is worth taking the extra time to check things out. If you think you are the victim of a scam, please call us because we want to know.”Tara Vocino contributed to this report. She may be reached at [email protected].