Scammers have begun their holiday “shopping” by cold-calling consumers to gain personal information over the phone.  The IRS, FBI, Sheriff’s Department and public utility firms will never call you and ask for your information or a payment by phone.  THESE ARE SCAMS, do not give out any information to someone you do not know.  If you receive a call of this nature, simply hang-up!!  

Three easy steps to remember:

1. DON’T answer calls from unknown numbers
2. DON’T provide sensitive info to unknown callers
3. DON’T follow instructions like “Press 1” from an unknown number or caller

If you need further assistance, call your jurisdictional Police Agency.  You can also report such nuisance calls to the FTC at 1-877-382-4357, the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 and AARP Fraud to 1-877-908-3360.