PHONE SCAM ALERT!

 

          A Central senior has reported this scam currently running in Stockton.  Please warn your friends, neighbors, and family.

Someone phones you, gives a first name, and says, “I am calling from your church.  We need to verify your credit card number for accounting reasons.”  Once they have that information, they then can charge items on your account.

          If you have fallen prey to this, contact your credit card company—usually there is a toll-free number on the back of the card—and cancel your card immediately.  (They can issue you a new card.)  Then call your police dept. to report the incident.  Get a police report #.  It helps limit your financial liability.

          Our senior realized as soon as she hung up that something was fishy.  She called one of our visitors.  Together they took quick action in following the steps above, then they alerted us.

          You need to know that no one from Central would approach you this way about your giving, finances, or credit card.  That is confidential and handled here at the office. 

          Steps you can take:

          If you have any doubts or suspicions, hang up!  (A legitimate caller will understand.)  Alert the police.

          If you have Caller I.D., write down their phone number for the police.

          If you need to stall the caller or are suspicious, ask them to name your church and for their last name and phone number.  (This is usually enough to make them hang up!)

          If you need help, call someone:  me, the church, another visitor, a friend or family member.  Keep our phone numbers by your phone.  Protect yourself by getting help.

 

Martha Tipton, your Parish Visitor