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Press release from Ottumwa Police Department

On June 2, a local resident reported an attempted phone scam to the Ottumwa Police.   The citizen stated that he received a telephone call from a scammer who stated that he was calling for Wal-Mart claiming that he had won a drawing for a big screen TV, $500 in cash, and a gift card.  The caller then asked for a credit card number, stating that the money would be deposited on the card.  The caller stated that this was how Wal-Mart preferred to do things.  The caller spoke with a foreign accent and there was no name or number on the caller ID.

Scammers make random calls and send emails in an attempt to defraud the public.   They often tell their victims that they’ve won a free gift, vacation or other prize.  As part of completing the fraudulent transaction, the scammer will ask for personal financial information such as the victim’s credit card number, bank account number, date of birth or social security number as a condition for claiming their prize.  Residents should be extremely wary of anyone requesting this sort of personal information over the phone or Internet.  

“When you give personal or financial information to unknown parties on the phone or online, you increase your chances of becoming a victim of fraud.  These predators make random calls and send emails in hopes of making contact with victims.  Sadly, the elderly and others who can least afford to lose their money are usually their main targets," Chief of Police Jim Clark said.

Remember, it's never rude to wait and think about an offer. Con  artists will often pressure their victims to divulge personal information because it’s a “limited time offer.”   Be sure to talk over big prize offers or investment opportunities offered over the telephone with a trusted friend, family member, or financial advisor.   If an offer sounds too good to be true; it probably is.