That’s Not The Secretary of State Emailing You, It’s an Imposter

Posted on February 2, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

There are many scammers who pose as government officials in order to swindle unsuspecting individuals out of money.

In the past, we’ve warned about IRS, FTC and Social Security imposters, but in the latest reported scam, people say they are receiving emails from someone claiming to be Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

In the email, the fake Secretary of State alerts the recipient that they are owed a payment and claims that this was discovered during an FBI and CIA investigation. They go on to say the person will receive an ATM card with $1.85 million on it and even provides a phony PIN code. The catch is that they then ask individuals to provide personal information and pay a $320 fee.

Be aware of the fact that no government agency will ever instruct you to pay a fee to collect funds owed to you. Even if money was owed to you, the Secretary of State would not be sending a personal message.

If someone claiming to be from the government calls or emails you and says you’ve won a prize, owe money or you might go to jail and that the only way to get that prize, or get out of trouble, is if you make a payment right way, someone is likely attempting to scam you. Under no circumstances do you need pay them, provide them with information or even reply with a response.

What you should do is immediately contact the FTC.

U.S. Marshal Phone Scam Alert

Posted on December 11, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a U.S. Marshal, be wary of their instructions. The Federal Trade Commission is warning people about a recent scam involving impostors threatening individuals with arrest in order to get money from them.

Consumer Education Specialist Bridget Small said that U.S. Marshals do a lot of things, they protect the federal courts, track down dangerous fugitives and transport thousands of prisoners. What they don’t do is make calls and threaten to arrest people or fine them for missing jury duty.

She warns that scammers can use fake caller ID information to seem more legitimate so you can’t always trust a name or number that appears on your phone. Criminals will call, posing as a U.S. Marshal or other government officials, and tell people they’ll be arrested unless they immediately pay a fine.

If you receive a suspicious phone call never send money by prepaid card or wire money since the transaction cannot be easily traced or reversed. Small also says not to share any personal or financial information because it can be used to commit identity theft.

If you get a call that fits this description, report it to the FTC and to your local Marshal Service District Office.