Is Your Phone Being Targeted by Scam Calls and Messages? Guam Homeland Security Warns!
It was just an ordinary day for Maria when her phone rang. The caller claimed to be from her bank, urgently requesting her personal information. Sensing something amiss, she quickly hung up. Little did she know that she had narrowly avoided falling victim to a scam targeting mobile phones. Guam Homeland Security warns individuals like Maria about the rise in fraudulent calls and messages, aiming to empower the public against such threats.
Stay Vigilant Against Scam Calls and Messages
In recent times, residents of Guam have been increasingly targeted by scam calls and suspicious messages. These fraudulent communications are becoming more sophisticated, employing local, domestic, and even unexpected international area codes to deceive victims. It is essential to stay alert to these scams and protect yourself from potential risks.
Reports of Suspected Scams on the Rise
The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense, along with the Mariana Regional Fusion Center, have continued to receive troubling reports about local telephone numbers receiving these dubious calls and messages. The aim of these scams is to trick individuals into believing they have won significant sums of money or need to provide personal information in order to claim a non-existent prize.
Common Tactics Used by Scammers
Officials have identified several common tactics employed by scammers to manipulate potential victims:
- Claims of winning large sums of money from entities like Publisher’s Clearing House and Samsung.
- Instructions to drive to a specific location and sign documents to receive the money.
- Requests to purchase gift cards and send the codes to the scammer.
- Using official names such as the Office of the Governor or Guam Homeland Security to lend credibility to their claims.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call or Message
If you receive a call or message that you suspect to be fraudulent, consider the following steps:
- Do not provide any personal information or make any payments.
- Hang up immediately if the caller pressures you to take urgent action.
- Report the incident to Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense or the Mariana Regional Fusion Center.
- Educate yourself and others about common scam tactics to stay vigilant.
By being aware and cautious, you can avoid falling victim to these elaborate scams. Stay informed and spread the word to help protect your community from these malicious activities.
Source: www.kuam.com
