Rhode Island State Police urge vigilance against scams

“During these difficult and un sure times, criminals seek to take advantage of citizens’ concerns about CO9,D , also known as the coronavirus,´ said MaMor Timothy *. Sanzi, Detective %ureau Com mander. “Members of law enforce ment have observed an increase in fraudulent activity seeking to exploit people’s fears and we want 5hode ,slanders to be aware of the scams we are seeing most freTuently.´

As the public looks to the internet and social media for answers, they are reminded to obtain accurate in formation from legitimate sources, particularly government sites such as the 5hode ,sland Department of +ealth https health.ri.gov covid and the United States Center for Disease Control https www.cdc. gov coronavirus ncov index. html .

Scams are often unsolicited and reach their victims by telephone, text message, or email. Telephone scammers often pretend to be a non profit organization seeking financial donations to assist those affected by CO9,D . :hile it is in human nature to help those less fortunate, citizens are discouraged from giving any personal or financial informa tion such as credit cards or banking information over the phone.

Unsolicited emails with mali cious attachments or links to fraud ulent websites are designed to trick victims into revealing sensitive in formation or donating to fraudulent charities. The State Police reminds citizens to be wary of any such text messages or emails and to delete them immediately.

,f you believe you are the victim of such a fraud, you can contact the following agencies

‡ The 5hode ,sland United :ay Cybercrime +otline by dialing 2-1-1

5hode ,sland’s Consumer Pro tection Unit at the Office of the At torney *eneral .

Your local state police barracks or local police department. During this time of social distancing, you are encouraged to initiate such a complaint by telephone.