HomeMy WebLinkAbout13_07_01 Senior Scam
13-122731
BAKERSFIELD POLICE
DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Greg Williamson, Chief of Police
Contact: Michaela Beard
Public Information Office
661-326-3803
mbeard@bakersfieldpd.us
For Immediate Release July 1, 2013
The Bakersfield Police Department wants to notify the community of a telephone scam
that preys on senior citizens.
The scam involves a phone call offering a “free” medical alert system; however, it is not
free. The scammers coerce the victims into disclosing personal information, which is
then used for identity theft.
The caller claims to work for or with a common medical provider and informs the
receiver his/her “free” medical alert system is ready to be picked up. As the call
continues, the caller requests personal information, such as a credit card number or
Social Security number.
The Bakersfield Police Department suggests a few simple tips when receiving deceiving
phone calls:
• When you do not know the caller and/or are unfamiliar with the offer, do not
provide any personal information, including: name, birthdate, credit card number,
Social Security number, etc.
• Beware of “free” offers. If something seems like it’s too good to be true, it
probably is.
• Don’t rely simply on caller ID. Criminals can utilize technology to display a fake
number.
• Report suspicious activity to law enforcement. This enables us to track trends
and notify others to prevent further victimization.
Interested in obtaining more information or receiving a presentation on Senior Safety? Contact
the Crime Prevention Unit at the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 326-3024.
You can now send an anonymous text message to the Bakersfield Police Department. It’s quick and it’s easy.
Simply enter 274637 into your phone and text BPDCRIMES along with your message. The text is sent to the
police department and the sender remains completely anonymous.
Tips can also be anonymously sent through the smartphone “TipSubmit” mobile App or via email at
https://www.tipsubmit.com.