Delaware has recently experienced a surge in various scams targeting residents, businesses, and professionals. These fraudulent activities range from sophisticated phishing schemes to impersonation cons. Awareness and vigilance are crucial in protecting oneself and the community. Here are five prevalent scams currently affecting Delawareans:
1. Impersonation Scams
Impersonation scams are the most reported in Delaware, with over 2,000 incidents in 2024. Scammers pose as trusted entities, such as government agencies, tech support, or even family members, to deceive individuals into providing personal information or money.
Protective Measures:
- Be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages requesting personal or financial information.
- Verify the identity of the caller by contacting the organization directly using official contact information.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information over the phone or via email unless you have initiated the contact.
2. Utility Scams
The Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) has reported an increase in scams where individuals impersonate DEC employees. Scammers contact customers by phone or in person, claiming issues with their accounts and requesting personal information or payments.
Preventive Actions:
- Be cautious of unsolicited communications claiming to be from utility companies.
- Do not provide personal or financial information to unknown individuals.
- Verify any suspicious contact by calling the utility company directly using official contact information.
3. E-ZPass Phishing Scams
Residents have reported receiving text messages claiming unpaid tolls from E-ZPass, directing them to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information.
Safety Tips:
- Do not click on links in unsolicited text messages regarding unpaid tolls.
- Verify any toll-related communications by visiting the official E-ZPass website or contacting their customer service directly.
- Be cautious of messages urging immediate action or threatening penalties.
4. Court and Law Enforcement Phone Scams
Scammers have been impersonating court officials or law enforcement, claiming individuals have warrants for their arrest due to missed jury duty or unpaid fines, and demanding immediate payment.
How to Avoid:
- Be aware that legitimate courts and law enforcement agencies do not solicit payments over the phone.
- If contacted by someone claiming to be from the court or law enforcement demanding payment, hang up and verify the claim by contacting the agency directly.
- Do not provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers.
5. Gift Card Scams
A new state law in Delaware requires retailers to display notices alerting consumers to potential scams involving gift cards. Scammers often pose as tech support or government workers, instructing individuals to pay fees using gift cards.
Recommendations:
- Be cautious of anyone requesting payment via gift cards; legitimate organizations do not accept gift cards as payment.
- Educate yourself about common gift card scams and warning signs.
- Report suspected scams to local authorities or consumer protection agencies.
Final Thoughts
The rise in scam activities across Delaware underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures. Residents, businesses, and professionals must stay informed about prevalent scams and adopt recommended practices to safeguard against financial losses and identity theft. By fostering a community aware of these threats, Delawareans can better protect themselves and their neighbors from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
