Over these holidays, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office has been seeing (and receiving) various email scams related to the pandemic. If you are due a stimulus check, it will automatically be deposited in your bank account if you have chosen direct deposit on your income taxes. If not, the government will send you a paper check.
They will not email you – or call you. Here are just a few examples of some of these emails – and some red flags –
the subject could say “stimulus” or some version – and could be incorrectly spelled
the email address “from” has nothing to do with the government or stimulus checks
the email asks you to fill out a form or click on a link (never do this)
the grammar is strange
spelling errors
Sample #1: note red flags in red
Tanya
REMINDER: This wiIl end soon…
Have you been affected financiaIiy by the 2020 pandemic?
If so, you may be eIigible for new stimuIus help
FiIi out this quick onIine appIication to quaIify—-spelling error and link – please do not try this link
Time is of the essence
Have a great day,
Notice Dept
Click here to unsubscribe
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Sample #2: note the “from” is from Equifax but the address is “nicestshops
Equifax/Update
this email was full of links for you to click on to get your credit info.
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Sample #3: note Shirley is from “sales@realsolutions4all – she is not affiliated with any government assistance
Shirley Martin
Americans are being urged to check their approvals status for new Gov’t assistance. There are new programs as well as existing ones which many people simply have not applied for. In order to assure attainment of your full check due, complete your submission (note – they want you to click on this link but its not for government assisted programs)
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We am also hearing about the Craig’s list rental scam being active – please remember – NEVER pay for a rental (or anything else) via Velle, Venmo, money cards, wire transfer, etc. If you do, you will not see your money again. This is why scammers use these methods – because you have no protection if it’s a scam. Once you pay them your money is gone and cannot be traced. Also, never pay for rentals until the person renting can show you the property in person – this is another tool for scammers – they will say they are out of town and can’t show you the property. Once you go to the property to move in (after you have lost your deposit and first months rent) you find the owner of the home wondering why you arrived at their doorstep since they never put their home on the rental list.
Please pass this along to your friends and family – with the pandemic scams, PPE scams, stimulus scams, Craig’s list scams, etc. the more information we can get out to everyone the less the scammers can take our money. Our web page is https://www.larimer.org/information/frauds-scams. You can easily share any of the scam info via email and social media directly from the website as well.
Wishing you a scam-free new year, along with love, joy and laughter throughout 2021. Stay safe, sane and healthy!
Barb
Chief Scambuster
Barbara EJ Bennett, MBA
Sheriff’s Auxiliary/Crime Prevention Unit Coordinator
Threat Liaison Officer (TLO)
Crime prevention unit: 970-498-5159
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
2501 Midpoint Drive
Ft Collins, CO 80525