In the wake of recent phone scams, University of Maryland Police are instructing students how to detect and avoid them, University Police spokeswoman Sgt. Rosanne Hoaas said.
Police have received two reports from students involving phone scams this semester — both of which took place in the past week, Hoaas said. One report was made on Sept. 27 and the other on Sept. 28. However, at this time University Police is unsure of how these scammers are receiving student’s information, she added.
Scammers may call claiming that the victim owes money to the IRS, or that a loved one is being held for ransom, according to a University Police safety notice. In both instances, the scammer uses fear to trick victims into making a payment
“We want people to be aware of what’s going on and if they believe they were a victim or potential victim, to report it,” Hoaas said. “[The scammers] are using fear to convince people — that’s what we want people to be aware of, and know how to better protect themselves.”
University Police is still investigating the incident that occurred on Sept. 28, but the Sept. 27 case is closed, Hoaas said.
In the safety notice, University Police provided a series of indicators and tips to help detect and elude potential scams. To avoid becoming a victim, students should be cautious if:
· Incoming calls come from an outside area code, sometimes from Puerto Rico with area codes (787), (939) and (856)
· Calls do not come from the kidnapped victim’s phone
· Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone
· Callers prevent you from calling or locating the “kidnapped” victim
· Ransom money is only accepted via wire transfer service
Students were advised to consider the following if they receive a phone call asking for a ransom payment for a kidnapped victim or loved one, according to the notice:
· Try to slow the situation down. Request to speak to the victim directly. Ask, “How do I know my loved one is OK?”
· If they don’t let you speak to the victim, ask them to describe the victim or describe the vehicle they drive, if applicable.
· Listen carefully to the voice of the kidnapped victim if they speak.
· Attempt to call, text or contact the victim via social media. Request that the victim call back from his or her cell phone.
· While staying on the line with alleged kidnappers, try to call the alleged kidnap victim from another phone.
· To buy time, repeat the caller’s request and tell them you are writing down the demand, or tell the caller you need time to get things moving.
· Don’t directly challenge or argue with the caller. Keep your voice low and steady.
· Request the kidnapped victim call back from his/her cell phone.
