Full Notification

Earlier today, a resident of Novato received a phone call from someone who identified themselves as being from the Social Security Administration.  The caller told the victim they had a warrant for their arrest and instructed them to transfer $15,000.00 to an account.  The phone number that appeared on the caller ID screen made it appear the caller was from the Novato Police Department, leading the victim to believe the caller was legitimately from a law enforcement agency.  The Novato Police Department asks residents to be vigilant to avoid becoming victims of this scam.  A law enforcement or governmental agency will never call and request money over the phone.  If you have been the victim of a similar crime, you are encouraged to contact the Novato Police Department at your earliest convenience at 415-897-4361.  If you receive a phone call you believe is a scam, here are some helpful hints to avoid being taken advantage of: 
 

• Do not give personal identifying or bank account information to someone who calls you.  This includes your social security number, date of birth, or any bank account numbers.  
• Do not feel pressured or intimidated to cooperate with unsolicited phone calls.
• Get a call back number or request information be sent through the mail, but do not provide your address.  Someone calling should already have your address if it is a legitimate caller. Keep the number in case its needed by the police.  
• Hang up and call back to a verified number of the reported government agency, not relying on the number the caller provides or appears in your caller ID.

 
Additional information can be found by visiting the Federal Trade Commission website.  The following link has information regarding the most common phone scams:  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/12/what-social-security-scam-sounds