Just a friendly reminder about more recent scams surfacing in the area. NO Legitimate business is going to ask you to pay anything in gift cards. JCP&L, Comcast, Apple, or the IRS will ask you to go to a store and buy gift cards to pay a debt.

The scams all begin the same and result in a victim purchasing gift cards and scratching off the numbers on back. Then the person on the phone demands you read them all the numbers off the gift cards to satisfy them. This common scam is used for outstanding bills, debts, and any other situation where a victim is unsuspecting and unsure. Scammers traditionally target senior citizens, but we’re seeing people of all ages getting hit.

If you get a call from anyone demanding payment in gift cards, hang up immediately. Call the business you’re dealing with directly and verify what is owed. Then pay with a traceable form of payment like a credit card. Please don’t buy gift cards and provide the numbers over the phone. These scammers are overseas, and you’ll never get your money back. Just say NO and hang up!

img_0647-1