TPD cautions against Florence scams

Sept. 25--THOMASVILLE -- In the wake of Hurricane Florence, Thomasville Police Department is warning residents to remain mindful of potential charity-based scams.

According to a news release issued by TPD, the relief effort could be infiltrated by scammers who seek to take advantage of circumstances. Anyone who is considering donating to help with these relief efforts should take the time to do homework and thoroughly research any organization or contractor requesting assistance.

In the release, TPD officials indicate the department received a complaint about a common IRS scam in which residents have received phone calls that resulted in threats of arrest if payment is not made over the phone. Officers caution that the IRS will never call to demand payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first sending the party in question a bill through the mail.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority also released an investor alert last week detailing how investors can spot and protect themselves from investment scams associated with the cleanup or rebuilding of devastated areas.

"When a natural disaster strikes, it's not uncommon for scammers to rush in," said Gerri Walsh, FINRA senior vice president of investor education. "In addition to charity frauds, we often see investment scammers try to exploit a variety of hurricane-related opportunities."

Among the signs of fraudulent pitches, price targets or predictions of exponential growth and pressure to invest immediately are typically considered red flags. FINRA recommends that investors never rely solely on information received in an unsolicited email, text message or phone call.

The North Carolina Attorney General's Office provides tips to protect residents from common post-disaster scams and other charity scams. For more information, visit www.ncdoj.gov/consumer. Anyone who has been tricked or scammed can file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice by calling 1-877-566-7226.

Staff writer Daniel Kennedy can be reached at 336-888-3578, or at [email protected].

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