SUMMER SCAM REMINDER Summer can be a time for relaxation, adventure, reconnecting with loved ones, and time for taking those anticipated summer vacations. Even with the nice weather, scammers aren’t taking time off. This means you have to be aware and cautious throughout the year. Here are some common summer scams to watch for and tips on how to avoid them: 1. Law Enforcement Scams: o Scammers pose as law enforcement agencies and claim you missed jury duty, owe fees, or someone needs bail money. They urge you to pay the “fees” quickly to avoid serious consequences and accept bitcoin, gift cards, or other non-traditional payment forms. o Scammers pose as animal shelters or rescue organizations and claim they can reunite you with your lost pet for a large fee. o Prevent these by scams by: o Verifying information is coming from an official source. When in doubt, hang up, look up the agency’s contact information and call or stop by their office to verify someone is trying to contact you. o Save our contact information to quickly verify information is coming from the Sheriff’s Office: - LCSO Website: lincolncountysheriff.net/ - LCSO Main Office: 541-265-4277 - LCSO Animal Shelter: 541-265-6610 2. Vacation Rental Scams: o Scammers post vacation rentals online at enticing prices. o They ask for advance payment via wire transfer, but the rental either doesn’t exist or is not available. o Prevent this by using reputable rental platforms or companies. 3. Home Improvement Scams: o Contractors offer very low-cost services such as driveway repaving, house painting, etc. o Contractors claim repairs are urgently needed and encourage you to act quickly to avoid further damage or before prices increase. o They may take your money without completing the work, work without proper permits, or do low quality work. o Prevent this by avoiding unsolicited offers, getting multiple referrals or bids, and researching companies and contractors. 4. Employment Scams: o Scammers exploit job seekers by offering fake summer jobs. o Scammers post opportunities that promise high pay for minimal effort. o Prevent this by verifying job postings, researching organizations, and avoid sharing personal information until you have verified the company and posting is legitimate. 5. Travel Scams: o Beware of unsolicited travel deals or sweepstakes claiming you’ve won a free vacation. o Prevent this by verifying offers and information before sharing your personal information or payment. 6. Ticket and Event Scams: o Scammers sell counterfeit tickets to concerts, festivals, sporting events, and other activities. o Prevent this by purchasing tickets from authorized sellers and verifying websites or vendors before purchasing. Staying informed, being cautious, and helping family and friends learn how to spot scams can help protect everyone throughout the year.