The Auburn Police Department has issued a warning about an ongoing Apple Gift Card scam that is targeting the community, especially older adults.
From the Auburn Police:
NO legitimate organization will ever ask you to pay using Apple gift cards, iTunes gift cards, Google Play cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. If someone tells you to buy gift cards and share the numbers, IT IS A SCAM!
Scammers may pretend to be:
• Apple or Microsoft support
• The IRS or Social Security
• Law enforcement
• Banks or utility companies
• A family member in trouble
They often use fear and urgency, telling victims they owe money, their account is compromised, they will be arrested, their utilities will be shut off, etc. Once gift card numbers are shared, the money is usually gone immediately.
What To Do
• Hang up
• DO NOT send money or gift cards
• DO NOT provide personal/financial information
• Talk to a trusted family member
• Call the organization back using a known phone number
If you have been scammed, act quickly!
• Apple Fraud Support: 1-800-275-2273
• Report to the FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Contact your local police department
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