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Stop Fraud

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Fraud Alert-All Tigard Citizens At Risk!

What would YOU say if someone...

called on the phone and wanted to give you a free gift just for verifying your VISA card number and expiration date?

came to your door and said they would give you a good price on repairing your roof or resurfacing your driveway because the materials were left over from a big project in your neighborhood?

solicited for a charitable organization that was not known to you?

offered you a chance of a lifetime to invest - however the opportunity is right now! No time to reconsider.

What you SHOULD say is NO! to all of the above.

Scams and fraudulent schemes are happening all the time. Even right here in Tigard. The police are aware of numerous types of scams including pyramid schemes where you send money to a person at the "top of a list." Many, if not most of this type of offer is illegal. Also citizens are still receiving information on the "Nigerian Investment Opportunity." Local police agencies are advising to destroy that mail. It is not necessary to contact local police as the investigation into that particular fraud scheme is far more global and complex for local law enforcement to become involved.

Stop Fraud

Police are asking citizens to be alert. There is a significant increase in fraudulent solicitation over the telephone, through the mail and also email. Police highly caution everyone about the risks of providing anyone money, credit card information and other personal and financial information.

Know that the caller or person soliciting will never produce any "gift or winnings" because you provided them money or credit card information. If it sounds too good to be true-it likely is just that. Numerous popular scams are occurring in our area on a daily basis. Be careful to recognize some of the tactics criminals use and be prepared to report such occurrences to the police.

In Oregon, all charitable organizations conducting solicitation are required to register with the office of the Attorney General. Consider verifying with the Department of Consumer Fraud before you provide them anything. The telephone number for consumer information is 503-229-5725.

In the event you choose to provide a donation-do not give out credit information over the telephone. It is strongly suggested you request the necessary materials to donate be sent to you in the mail. This also allows you the opportunity to verify the agency and contact information. Scam artists show tendencies to focus their fraudulent actions to elderly citizens; however any age is at risk of being defrauded.

Inquiries regarding this information can be directed to the Tigard Police Crime Prevention Officer, Jim Wolf at 503-718-2561 or 27047@tigard-or.gov for more information.