Multiple radio stations around the country are reporting being targeted by a suspicious Ottowa-based business. Posing as a 3rd party ordering an advertising schedule on behalf of their client, they wire the payment directly to the station’s bank account, but “accidentally” overpay, then tell the station to wire back the overpayment, then stop payment.

Read Radio Ink’s Investigative Article

Suggestions to avoid getting caught by scammers:

• Scammers find you before you find them. If you did not initiate a phone call, email, or text message and the person who contacted you is demanding financial or personal information, DO NOT PROVIDE IT.  Texts, email, or links may contain malware or spyware.  Delete messages immediately and don’t click or download unknown applications or sites.
• Scammers pressure you to send money fast. Don’t be pressured. Before sending someone money, take the time to verify the recipient. Never send money to pay for taxes, fees, or to claim a prize or provide any account or banking information.  Safeguard Personal Identifying Information such as SSN, birthday, Medicare information or the like.
• Scammers pretend to be trustworthy. Scammers pretend to be affiliated with the government agency, IRS, or business interest.  They will pose as a family member, online friend, romantic partner or legitimate entity or business interest.
• Scammers can fake caller-ID information. Just because a caller-ID phone number looks to be legitimate, it doesn’t mean it is. Scammers use online software to mask their true caller-ID information.  They may use elements of a legitimate business’s information to perpetuate scam and fraud.

Report suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission by calling (877) 382-4357 and financial losses to the FBI at www.ic3.gov