CONSUMER FRAUD PROTECTION DISCUSSED DURING SENIOR-WISE

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                (Casper, WY) -- Fraud is a fairly big problem in the Casper community and seniors are the demographic targeted most often. That was the message from Sgt. Joe Nickerson of the Casper Police Department during Senior-Wise, the weekly information and discussion program at the Casper Senior Center. "You all must be filthy rich," he joked with the group, "because these scammers seem to like you best. And the most common fraud -- the one we get the most complaints about -- is telephone fraud."

                He said these telephone scammers have several different approaches. "Sometimes they'll tell  you you've won a contest," he explained, "but to collect your million dollar prize they say you first need to send them a few hundred or a few thousand dollars." He also cautioned that some of these crooks will call posing as a grandchild needing money and ask you to send it to them. "Never give anyone cash over the phone," Sgt. Nickerson warned. Additionally, he said the scams can come to you on line. Some are so advanced they send you an email that appears to be from a friend, usually saying they're in a foreign country and need emergency cash.

                "The only 100% safe way to protect yourself -- other than using cash or personally watching as your card is swiped each time you make a transaction -- is to personally monitor your financial accounts," he said, adding that it's a good idea to check your accounts and account balances at least weekly. Check each entry to make sure the purchases listed are familiar to you. "If you get a call from your bank and they want to discuss your accounts, tell them you'll call them back," he recommended. "They won't be offended, and by calling them back you're assured you're actually speaking with your financial institution."

                Sometimes the crooks try going door-to-door to work their schemes, he said. "A good way to deal with someone who comes to your door is to ask to see their city business license," he advised, because every solicitor going door-to-door is required to carry a city business license. "And don't let them tell you their boss has the paperwork; they're required to have it with them when they knock on your door."

                To report a suspected scam or if you believe you've been a victim, call the non-emergency phone number of the Casper Police Department at 307-235-7598. Senior-Wise is a weekly program presented Tuesdays at 12:30pm at the Casper Senior Center.