A new phone scam is making the rounds, according to a new report from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office (WCSO).
In the newest scam, people are calling around pretending to be mortgage lenders or government agencies. They claim that the victim's home loan needs some kind of urgent action and forcefully demand that action be taken.
WCSO has provided tips for the public to help protect themselves from these kinds of scams:
Never share personal or financial information with anyone over the phone unless you initiated the call.
Verify the caller, then hang up and call your mortgage provider (if you have one) directly using the number on your statement.
Watch for pressure tactics, including threats, urgency, or demands for wire transfers or gift cards.
Don't trust caller ID; scammers can fake real phone numbers.
Officials also want to remind the public that your mortgage company will never ask for payment through untraceable methods or threaten your arrest.
You can learn more and keep up to date on new scams at the Washoe County Sheriff's Office website.
