By Barbara Bennett | Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
For details on these and other scams – go to larimer.org.
Be alert to scammer’s tricks! The following scams are happening today in our area.
- Medicare scam – via phone – sending you a new card but need information from your old card. Just hang up.
- Rental scam – scammer takes internet photos and places “for rent” on Zillow, Marketplace, Craig’s List, etc. Asks for deposit and rent without showing you the property. Collects the money and leaves the interested renter with lost money and no rental.
- Law enforcement impersonation – “You missed jury duty”, warrant for your arrest. Pay by money or gift cards. Law enforcement never asks for money cards.
- Excel energy calling – we are shutting your power off in 30 minutes unless you buy gift or money cards and give the code over the phone.
- Paying strangers with Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, etc. Only use these apps to pay close friends, family, and trusted businesses. There is no buyer protection.
- Paying with money cards, cryptocurrency – don’t do it! Always a scam.
- Boulder fires – scammers can set up fraudulent sites to donate. Check before donating.
- Selling or buying on Facebook, marketplace, etc. Do not pay upfront. Do not pay/receive money by Venmo, Zelle, cash apps. Meet in public and in a safe location to make the exchange. Do not accept offers higher than your asking price. Cash only.
- Online romance scams – builds rapport over…
