I don't know about you, but these past few weeks, I've been receiving up to three scam phone calls a day (I have SO many warrants out for my arrest!). It's frustrating, because blocking the numbers no longer does any good. They just call from a different one each time! I've just learned to not answer the phone if I don't recognize the phone number. If it's somebody important, I know they'll leave me a message.

Unfortunately, I'm definitely not the only one getting a whole bunch of calls right now. The Cedar Rapids Police Department posted a message to Iowans on Facebook this week reminding them that the scams continue! In addition to sharing their initial post from August of 2020, they gave an update with a few more bullet points, the first of which is about fundraising. It reads:

"Keep in mind that the CRPD is not doing any fundraising by phone at this time. We've been made aware of citizens receiving phone calls from someone posing as a law enforcement officer, agent, etc. from different types of police organizations asking for donations. If you'd like to make a donation to a law enforcement agency/program, please look up their phone number and contact them directly."

Secondly, the CRPD want you to know that they would never call you to tell you that they have a warrant out for their arrest. If you're concerned or have any questions, immediately hang up the phone and call the department yourself.

And finally, they say to never give out personal information or financial information to anyone by phone or online. I keep getting emails from a generic "Department of Transportation" telling me I owe money for running red lights, and they conveniently have the website where I can pay right there in the email. I'll admit, the first time I received that I was a little concerned, but after a quick Google search, I realized it was just another scam.

**The scams continue.

--Keep in mind that the CRPD is not doing any fundraising by phone at this time. We've been...

Posted by Cedar Rapids Police Department on Wednesday, March 10, 2021

The CRPD's original post says that if someone calls you claiming to be from the IRS, FBI, Social Security Administration, Police Department, or any other legitimate organization, and you're concerned, you should hang up the phone, look up the actual phone number, and then call that instead. For more tips about spotting and dealing with scammers, you can see the full post below:

Here are some tips for self-care during the pandemic:

 

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