DON'T FALL VICTIM TO THESE CRIMES!

In the past few weeks, officers from the Manheim Township Police Department have fielded numerous complaints of telephone and emails scams involving the demand of payment via gift cards.  Scammers, pretending to be associated with a legitimate company, such as PPL Electric Utilities, Target, and Apple contact their victims and tell them that their account is overdue, overdrawn, or the victim owes them a large amount of money.  These scammers are very convincing, sound similar to the legitimate companies, and even use the same scripted language that a true representative would use.  They also use spoofed phone numbers and email addresses so it appears that they are legitimate, when in fact they are not.  In addition to getting money, they are also collecting personal information that can later be used to steal a person's identity and cause more financial chaos for the victim.

* Should you get a phone call similar to what is listed above, immediately hang up, and find the REAL phone number for the utility/store that called you.  Call them on the phone to determine the true status of your account/s.

* Should you get an email similar to what is listed above, DO NOT CLICK ANY LINKS IN THE EMAIL!  Find the REAL phone number for the utility/store that called you.  Call them on the phone to determine the true status of your account/s.

* Finally, if you do happen to fall victim and inadvertently send money or protected information, contact police to file a report.

Remember, utility companies, financial institutions, or other businesses will NEVER contact you by telephone or email and ask you to verify your personal information - they should already have it!

Please stay vigilant and try not to fall victim to these scams!

MEDIA POST CONTACT: Lieutenant Michael T. Piacentino, W: 717-569-6401 Ext: 1583, C: 717-340-2130, piacentinom@manheimtownshippolice.org