The Enid Police Department has issued a warning to those in the Enid community regarding a series of fraud cases, some of which have forced victims to lose up to thousands of dollars.
The EPD has offered advice on how to avoid such scams, including being skeptical of incoming messages or calls, verifying requests independently and never sharing vital personal information like passwords and financial information online, unless you were the one to initiate the exchange.
Another important piece of advice is to not trust reputable businesses requesting funds via unconventional formats, like Bit Coin or Green Dot money cards. Additionally, be vigilant to those asking you not to share information about large withdrawals with your financial institution of choice.
Here are some more tips to keep you from becoming a victim of these frauds:
- Never send money to an entity you have never met in person
- Never share personal information over phone or social media
- If something is too good to be true, it probably is
- Keep the software on your devices up to date with current updates and use a strong, reputable anti-virus program
- Use a strong and unique passphrase for every online account you have, and do not use the same passphrase for every account
- Never open an attachment you have been sent unless you are expecting it and have verified the sender’s information
- Examine all website links and email address’, scammers like to disguise themselves as coming from reputable organizations
- Never click the link on an unexpected text message that asks you to check or verify your information
- Be suspicious of a message that requests immediate action
- Never give money or bank account access to someone you have never met in person
