DARLINGTON - Senior citizens have been targeted by callers asking for money in recent weeks , according to Darlington police.
In two cases, the callers told the senior citizens that their grandchildren had been in car accidents and needed money, Police Chief Jason King said in a statement released Friday.
In the third case, the caller told the senior citizen she had won a lottery and could claim it by sending a cashier's check to cover fees and taxes associated with the winnings.
Scams are a daily occurrence in Darlington with residents primarily being targeted via e-mail and phone, King said.
Police want to remind residents there is very little, if anything, they can do once a scam has been enacted. Prevention is the best tool when combating this type of crime, King said.
He recommended some basic tips to follow if you suspect a scam:
• Never give out personal information unless you initiated the contact and know who you are talking with.
• Remember financial institutions and other companies you deal with will never call you and ask for personal information over the phone, so don't give it out.
• Before taking action, consult trusted friends, family members, financial advisors or the police if you're suspicious about an offer or request you have received.
• If you ever win something, you will not have to pay fees or taxes so don't respond to people who claim you do.
In two cases, the callers told the senior citizens that their grandchildren had been in car accidents and needed money, Police Chief Jason King said in a statement released Friday.
In the third case, the caller told the senior citizen she had won a lottery and could claim it by sending a cashier's check to cover fees and taxes associated with the winnings.
Scams are a daily occurrence in Darlington with residents primarily being targeted via e-mail and phone, King said.
Police want to remind residents there is very little, if anything, they can do once a scam has been enacted. Prevention is the best tool when combating this type of crime, King said.
He recommended some basic tips to follow if you suspect a scam:
• Never give out personal information unless you initiated the contact and know who you are talking with.
• Remember financial institutions and other companies you deal with will never call you and ask for personal information over the phone, so don't give it out.
• Before taking action, consult trusted friends, family members, financial advisors or the police if you're suspicious about an offer or request you have received.
• If you ever win something, you will not have to pay fees or taxes so don't respond to people who claim you do.