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Orangetown Police Department Wants You To Know How To Recognize And Protect Yourself From Phishing Scams

Published

16 hours ago

on

BEWARE: PHISHING SCAMS

Phishing scams deceive people into giving away sensitive information by pretending to be legitimate organizations or businesses. Scammers use fake emails, text messages, or websites that mimic real ones, urging quick action through links or attachments. The data stolen through phishing is often used for identity theft or financial fraud. To protect yourself, verify the authenticity of unexpected messages, avoid suspicious links, and use strong and unique passwords.

RED FLAGS

These are common signs that you may be facing these types of scams:

Bank Impersonation Fraud

• You receive a text message, phone call, or email indicating that your account information has been compromised. They may ask for personal information like usernames, passwords, PINs, and Social Security Numbers to “secure” your account. They may also ask you to transfer funds using a P2P payment app, like Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle.

• Banks will never contact you and ask you to share sensitive personal information over the phone, via text message, or email. They will never ask you to transfer money to anyone, including yourself, or ask you to provide personal information to obtain a refund or issue a correction.

Debt Collection Fraud

• The person calling you says you will go to jail if you don’t pay the debt they are describing. It is illegal for debt collectors to threaten to have someone arrested for not paying their debts.

• The person calling will not tell you to whom you owe money. Legitimate debt collectors will always tell you who the creditor is, even if you don’t ask them.

• Legitimate debt collectors provide ample time to pay off your debt and will work with you. Scammers will pressure you to pay while they have you on the phone.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Assist Rockland County Probation In Compliance Checks

Published

6 days ago

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February 25, 2025

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Haverstraw, NY – On Sunday, February 23, 2025, the Town of Haverstraw Police Department assisted the Rockland County Department of Probation in conducting home visits for Haverstraw residents currently on probation. These compliance checks focused on individuals with probation conditions related to weapons and drug offenses, as well as registered sex offenders.
“It is important that individuals on probation in Haverstraw understand that the Haverstraw Police Department and Rockland County Probation are committed to ensuring they comply with the stipulations of their probation,” said Haverstraw Police Chief John Gould. “At any given time, they should expect a knock on their door.”
The Haverstraw Police Department extends its gratitude to the Rockland County Department of Probation for their partnership in these efforts. Through continued collaboration, both agencies remain dedicated to enhancing public safety and upholding the integrity of the community.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Orangetown Police Department Is Warning Seniors Of A New Social Security Email Scam

Published

7 days ago

on

February 24, 2025

By

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is warning the public of a new scam tactic by criminals trying to lure potential retirement applicants to their site.

This recent scam email appears to be from SSA and has the subject line: “Claim Benefits!” It states “Important: Apply for Your Social Security Benefits Starting in 2025”. The link within the phony email is disguised as SSA’s official website, www.ssa.gov or www.socialsecurity.gov. Clicking on the link within the email redirects individuals to a fraudulent site. THIS EMAIL IS NOT FROM SSA.

One example of this new imposter email is shown here. It is important to see that the email is from “Social Administration,” and reflects a personal or non-government email address. Government agencies always have “.gov” as part of their official email address.

SSA OIG is advising you to always be cautious of responding to unsolicited emails that appear to be from an official government entity, such as SSA, or another federal agency. These emails are a variation of government imposter scams. DELETE IT. Don’t click on links or respond to any text, email, phone call, or letter that has characteristics of a scam. See warning signs at ssa.gov/scam. To contact SSA for business purposes, visit ssa.gov to find the correct information.

“Scammers use benefits, benefit increases, prizes, or problems to attract your attention so that they can entice or intimidate unsuspecting persons with their ploys,” said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit performing the duties of the Inspector General. “Our priorities are to educate consumers on how to avoid these vicious attempts and to help you keep your personal identifying information and money secure. We will continue to tell you when we become aware of tactics such as this one.”

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