News : It's time for the "beware of scammers" reminder

Let's talk about the aftershock of election season. You might think things would settle down a bit, but no-our good pals, the scammers, are just getting started. Now that political texts and calls are out of the way, these folks have an open path right to your phone. And believe me, they're pulling every trick in the book to grab your attention.

Some simple things to watch for.

Scammers are getting crafty. They know how to make a call look legitimate by using local area codes, even ones from neighboring counties, or numbers that might seem familiar. The most common area codes they are now using are 216 (Cleveland, OH), 469 (Dallas, TX), 657 (La Palma, CA), and 332, 347, 646 from New York City. Scammers are banking on the idea that, for a moment, you'll think it's someone you know or something important. They even use local numbers to make it seem like they're calling from right around the corner.

Here's the catch: if a call comes in from one of those numbers and you don't recognize it, just let it roll to voicemail. Real people leave messages; scammers, nine times out of ten, don't.

Some numbers to watch for are some of the following:

• (865) 630⁠-⁠4266: This one is as phony as a $3 bill. It's part of a Wells Fargo scam telling you your account has been locked, it's not. If in doubt call a local branch and ask.
• (469) 709⁠-⁠7630: This one will tell you that you have a package awaiting delivery, you don't.
• (805) 637⁠-⁠7243: Really, this number is NOT from the Publishers Clearing House, but they will tell you that they are!
• (858) 605⁠-⁠9622: If this number calls, it will say that your bank accounts have been hacked. Hang up and call your bank if you are unsure!
• (312) 339⁠-⁠1227: The people from this number will sell you the Brooklyn bridge! They offer things from weight loss supplements to a package that needs to be delivered. Don't believe it...and especially around Christmas time!.
• (917) 540⁠-⁠7996: this number gives you a robocall, selling a variety of things. .
• (347) 437⁠-⁠1689: This number might tell you that there's a problem with your taxes...nah, the IRS sends mail.
• (301) 307⁠-⁠4601: This ISN'T the post office, even though it says they are!
• (878) 877⁠-⁠1402: When this number calls, it's not really the bank telling you that you have a "frozen debit card" when it doubt, call the bank to ask.
• (202) 221⁠-⁠7923: This one offers you help with student loan forgiveness supposedly, but it's really a scam..

Here's a tip to help avoid the scams!

1. Do Not Call Registry: Click the link right back there or right here "DO NOT CALL REGISTRY" and add your name to the registry; it won't catch everything, but it's a step in the right direction.
2. Block Repeat Offenders: Both iPhone and Android let you block numbers that keep popping up. Just look up your call history, hit "Block," and consider it handled, that's probably the easiest after you put yourself on the Do Not Call Registry.
3. Report It: If you've got a few extra minutes and some good ol' fashioned patience, head over to ftc.gov and file a report. Will it solve all your problems? Maybe not, but it might just help keep the pressure on.

Stay sharp, Benton County. Scammers count on us not paying attention, but we're a little smarter than that. Use these tips, and maybe-just maybe-we can put a dent in their scammy little game.

Another tip:

If you have elderly parents, or parents that might not know a scam when sold by these pros, held them get onto the Do Not Call Registry.

Another source of scamming is via email. I receive around 150 emails a day. If they are using the English language but in a way that is odd, it's a scam. If they call you "dear" it's a scam. If there is someone needing to transfer money to a US account...well you know the drill, it's a scam.

NEVER believe an email, instead, call a bank, call a friend or relative to run it by them.