News Flash

Dubuque Police continue to receive numerous complaints of attempted (and sometimes successful) scams in the area. Multiple complaints are received daily and usually vary in nature. In one recent attempt, the scammer claimed to be from Publisher’s Clearing House and told the victim he had won a large sum of money, but needed to wire money to cover the taxes before his prize could be awarded. The victim questioned the scammer, adding he knew some local police officers, and even mentioned their names. The scammer called back later, pretending to be one of the officers the victim previously identified, and told the victim it was not a scam and it was safe to wire the money. The victim then went to a local credit union and attempted to obtain the money, explaining why he needed. Fortunately, an employee at the credit union discouraged him from wiring the money, advising the victim it was most certainly a scam. The above scam is just one of many different versions circulating in the area.

Prevention recommendations remain the same:

- Never wire money unless YOU initiate the transaction and know it’s 100% legitimate.

- Unsolicited contact (phone, email, text, letter) indicating you won something, need to send/wire money (for any reason), provide personal/account information, etc. is almost ALWAYS a scam.

- ALWAYS stop and think. If it doesn’t seem right, it’s not. Take a few minutes to research the situation by making calls to those you trust.

- Assume the worst and question everyone/everything - understand once the money/information is sent or shared, there’s no getting it back.

- Limit how much you share/publish your phone number(s) and/or email address.