 Plymouth Police warn residents of ongoing scams
Like other area cities, the Plymouth Police Department is warning residents of ongoing scams designed to steal money and personal data from unsuspecting users, as well as spread malware on devices.
While these scams are not unique to Plymouth, residents may occasionally fall victim – and extra vigilance could save money and prevent headaches.
Scams Involving Apple Security Alerts
Some Mac and iPhone users have reported encountering an Apple Security Alert pop-up claiming the device has been either infected with a virus or hacked with sensitive information at risk. Victims are asked to call a phone number, disguised as Apple Customer Service, to remedy the situation. The scammer encourages the victim to download an app granting remote access to the device, which gives the scammer control of any accounts on the device, including banking information.
The scammer uses fear or makes a threat, such as warning the victims that their bank account information has been compromised or is at risk. The scammer then encourages the victim to call a “secure line” to connect with their bank. While the scammer plays the role of the bank, victims are encouraged to withdraw large sums of money from their financial institutions and send it via mail to an address provided by the scammer.
While the message might seem convincing, it’s important to note that Apple does not send security warnings and this alert is fake. If a resident receives one, you should not click on any buttons or follow the indicated instructions.
Reminders and Tips to Avoid Scams
Residents are reminded of tips to avoid falling victim to scams.
- Be suspicious of any entity attempting to contact you through unconventional channels (pop-ups).
- Never reply to an unsolicited request for personal or financial information, or give out information over the phone without verifying the facts.
- If a call sounds questionable, hang up and call the agency or institution to verify, or report the scam to the Plymouth Police Department.
- Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited email messages or pop-ups.
- Never download an app without knowing its intended purpose and capabilities.
- Maintain up-to-date antivirus software.
For more information about preventing common scams, visit fbi.gov/scams-and-safety.
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