Full Notification

NSPD Scam Alert is a program intended to educate the public on recent scams we have investigated or common fraudulent activity.

Recent Scams

Scam 1: Victim received a call from a male subject claiming to be from Consumers Energy and that the victim was behind in payments. Victim was requested to meet the subject at a near by shopping center to provide payment.

Scam 2: Victim responded to a job listing on Criagslist. Subject advised victim he would need to cash a check for $2,850.35, send back the cash, and would then be advised of the job opportunity.

Scam 3: Victim received a call from a subject advising the victim they were receiving odd “signals” from his computer. The subject requested to remote access into his computer.

Scam 4: Victim received a call from a subject with a Middle Eastern accent advising he was from the Internal Revenue Service and the victim had a warrant for not paying taxes. The subject then advised he would allow victim to pay him the unpaid taxes to avoid being arrested.

TIPS TO PREVENT BECOMING A VICTIM

Do not cash checks from unknown parties that promise goods or services in exchange. If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.

Do not allow anyone but a trusted company to remotely gain access to your computer.

Never meet anyone / any company in a parking lot that claims you owe them money. A legitimate company has procedures to collect outstanding payments.

If you have any doubt of the identify of a caller, gather as much information as possible and call the company to confirm.

Monitor your bank and credit card activity.

Check your credit report at least once a year. You can use Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to provide a free copy of your credit report every 12 months.

Report all suspicious activity to your local police agency. Norton Shores Police Department can be reached at 231-733-2691 or 911 after business hours.