May 10, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beware of phone solicitations claiming to be from Woodbury Police

The Woodbury Police Department has received several complaints about phone solicitations throughout the metro area by persons claiming to represent the Woodbury Police. The Woodbury Police Department has not and will not solicit money from anyone. The unknown callers have been claiming that they are with the Woodbury Police Department and are raising money for “Minnesota cops.”

Another scam involved a caller who said he/she was with “Woodbury Police” and was selling magazines in an effort to support police officers. These scams are being committed by unknown individuals who are not affiliated with the Woodbury Police Department and/or the City of Woodbury. The Woodbury Police Department is currently investigating these occurrences.

Following are some tips on how to protect yourself:

• Be wary of cold calls.
• Don’t be pressured to make an immediate decision.
• Don’t give your credit card, checking account, or Social Security number to someone unless you made the call.
• Attempt to obtain a physical address, rather than a post office box or mail drop.
• Get all information in writing before you agree to buy.
• Check out a charity before you give. Ask how much of your donation actually goes to the charity. Ask that written informa¬tion be sent to you so you can make an informed giving decision.
• Don’t invest your money with an unknown caller who insists you make up your mind immediately.
• Don’t send cash by messenger or overnight mail. If you use cash rather than a credit card in the transaction, you may lose your right to dispute fraudulent charges.
• Don’t agree to any offer where you have to pay a “registration” or “shipping fee” to receive a prize or a gift. If you have to pay, it’s a purchase — not a prize or a gift.
• Don’t confirm your account information over the phone or by e-mail. Some callers have your billing information before they call you. They’re trying to get you to say “okay” so they can claim you approved a charge.
• Check out unsolicited offers with the Better Business Bureau, local consumer protection agency, or Minnesota Attorney General’s office before you agree to send money.
• Beware of offers to “help” you recover money you may have lost previously.
• Be wary of callers say¬ing they are law enforcement officers who will help you get your money back “for a fee.”
• Don’t be afraid to say “no thanks” and hang up the phone.

If you receive a suspicious phone call, you are encouraged to report it to your local police department.

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