Telephone Scams

Telephone

  • “Lawyer” requesting bail money for a family member.
  • “IRS” has issued a warrant for your arrest.
  • “Lottery/Royalty” winnings and deposit is needed.
  • “Windows/Mac” computer needs maintenance.
  • “Lincoln Police” have issued a warrant for your arrest.
  • “Charity” requests money for false charity.
  • “Travel” won an all expenses paid for vacation.

Internet

  • “Pop Up” requesting to download antivirus or have virus.
  • “Ransomware” request money to release information.
  • “Receiver” work from home shipping packages.
  • “Click Bait” ads typically “phish” or contain malware.
  • “Generic Buyer” wants to purchase item over asking price.
  • “Credit Repair” requests your personal information.
  • “Computer Repair” remote access to your computer/files.

Email

  • “Phishing Email” fictitious email representing a company.
  • “Loan Pre-Approval” requesting personal information.
  • “Survey” false survey to obtain personal information.
  • “Bank Alert” false email to obtain personal bank info.
  • “Update Payment” requesting you update payment info.
  • “Unknown Attachment” request to download document.
  • “Extortion” request money in exchange not to release of private personal property.
  • “Ransomware” Request money in exchange for your password or encrypted data.

What can I do?

I provided personal identifying information to an unknown entity. 
 Monitor you're your credit report and financial accounts, or others also exposed or compromised.
I provided personal financial information to an unknown entity.
Monitor you're your credit report and financial accounts, or others also exposed or compromised. You also need to inform your financial institution and it is recommended going into your local financial institution and report the activity or interaction.
The person was aggressive on the phone and made it seem urgent that I provide them what was requested.
Typically, if a subject has contacted you personally and is requesting monetary payment (gift card/wire transfer), the subject will likely try to keep you on the phone. The subject will likely pressure you into making payment an urgent manner to resolve the “scam.” The subject may even get upset, threaten you, and use vulgar language.

What not to do

  • DO NOT PAY SCAMMERS WITH GIFT CARDS
  • Do not provide personal info
  • Do not provide financial info
  • Do not provide login info
  • Do not provide passwords
  • Do not provide any payment
  • Do not trust caller ID
  • Do not just “Click”

Additional Resources

Still Unsure? Contact Lincoln Police Department or visit the following sites to report scams or educate yourself further: