Scam Alerts

Tips to Avoid Charity Scams

Four Ways to Avoid Charity & Disaster Relief Scams

So what do you do if you want to help? First off, don't let the worst of humanity stop you from showing what the best of us can do to help others. 

But instead of clicking that email link or giving your credit card number over the phone to someone you don't know who is soliciting your help, spend just a few minutes making sure that your money is really going to help those in need (rather than those in need of some time in front of a judge).

Read a Huffington Post article on how to avoid charity scams. 

Money Pak Pre Paid Card

Money Pak Scam

The Lawrence Police Department would like to notify the Community of an on going scam targeting area residents and Local Businesses. The “target” will receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from the electric, gas, or cable company. The caller will demand money for an over due bill, telling them their power would be turned off if they didn't pay their bill immediately. They will direct the “target” to go to a local chain store or pharmacy and put money on a MoneyPak (or other prepaid credit card). 

The “target” is then told to give the caller the numbers on the back of the card. This drains the funds from the card, and the “target” has lost that money. If you receive a similar call, you are asked to contact your utility provider directly (find the phone number on line or on your utility bill), or contact the Lawrence Police Detective Division at 978-794-5900, ext. 625.

IRS Website Logo

IRS Warns of Pervasive Telephone Scam

Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. Learn more about the scam advisory. 

Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2014

The Internal Revenue Service today issued its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams, reminding taxpayers to use caution during tax season to protect themselves against a wide range of schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud.