Report Phone Scams: Brunswick, Ga

Phone scams are a serious issue in Brunswick, GA, and it is important to know how to recognize and report them. Scammers use various tactics to trick people into giving up their personal information or money, and it is crucial to stay vigilant and informed to protect oneself from becoming a victim. In Brunswick, GA, there are several resources available to report phone scams and seek assistance. The Brunswick Police Department can be contacted for non-emergencies during business hours, and in case of an emergency, residents can dial 911. Additionally, there are national resources, such as the National Do Not Call Registry, which allows individuals to block unwanted calls from telemarketers and scammers. Recognizing common warning signs of phone scams and taking preventive measures can help protect oneself from becoming a victim.

Recognising a phone scam

Phone scams are a common way for cybercriminals to compromise your personal information and money. Being alert to scam messages is a great way to protect yourself. Here are some tell-tale signs to help you recognise a phone scam:

• Scammers often pretend to be someone or an organisation you trust, such as a government agency, a family member, or a business you recognise. They may even use spoofing to display a fake name or number on your caller ID.
• They will try to entice you with offers that seem too good to be true, such as prizes or lottery winnings, but there's a catch—you have to pay to get the prize.
• Scammers create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to make a decision on the spot and not giving you time to think. They may use high-pressure sales tactics and limited-time offers.
• They will ask you to pay in ways that make it difficult to get your money back, such as wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps.
• Scammers may claim that you have been "specially selected" for an offer or that you are owed money, but this is just a ploy to gain your trust.
• They may use threatening language, claiming that you will be arrested, fined, or deported if you don't pay taxes or debts immediately. However, real law enforcement and federal agencies will not call and threaten you.
• Scammers often request that you “confirm your personal information" or provide sensitive details such as your Social Security number, passwords, or credit card information.
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially if you are on the National Do Not Call Registry. These calls are illegal, and any company calling you without your permission is not one you want to do business with.
• If you receive a call claiming to be from a charity, always ask how much of your donation will go directly to the cause and take the time to research the charity before giving any money.
• Scammers may use pre-recorded messages, known as "robocalls," to deliver their pitch. If you answer and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, hang up immediately.
• Trust your instincts—if something seems fishy or too good to be true, it probably is.

Remember, the best way to protect yourself is to be vigilant and cautious. Never give out personal or financial information to unsolicited callers, and don't be afraid to hang up if something feels off.

Reporting a phone scam

If you've been the victim of a phone scam in Brunswick, GA, you can take the following steps to report it to the relevant authorities and protect yourself from further harm.

Firstly, it's important to identify the type of scam you've experienced. Phone scams can come in many forms, such as lottery scams, debt relief scams, or business investment scams. Knowing the specific type of scam can help authorities in their investigations.

Once you've identified the scam, you can report it to the Brunswick Police Department. The non-emergency phone number for the Police Department is 912-267-5559, and the email address is [email protected]. You can also submit a tip through the Brunswick, GA website. However, please note that the mailbox is not monitored 24 hours a day, so time-sensitive information should be reported directly by phone or in person.

In addition to reporting the scam to local law enforcement, you can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Phone fraud can be reported online at FTC.gov or by phone at 1-877-FTC-HELP. You can also report violations of the National Do Not Call Registry at DoNotCall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222.

To further protect yourself, consider enrolling in the National Do Not Call Registry and any relevant state-specific registries, such as the Georgia Do Not Call List. This will reduce the number of telemarketing and scam calls you receive. You can also use call-blocking services offered by your phone carrier or third-party apps to block unwanted calls.

Remember, if you have lost money or provided sensitive information to a scammer, it's important to act quickly. Contact your bank or financial institution to report any fraudulent charges and try to recover your losses. You can also visit IdentityTheft.gov for guidance on protecting your personal information.

Non-emergency contact information

If you want to report a phone scam in Brunswick, GA, and it is not an emergency, you can contact the Brunswick Police Department during business hours, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. The non-emergency phone number is 912-267-5559. The fax number is 912-267-5526, and the email address is listed on the website, but it is not monitored 24 hours a day.

You can also report an accident, incident, or request an officer 24 hours a day by calling 912-554-3645. This number will connect you to the Glynn-Brunswick Emergency 911 Center, where calls are dispatched to emergency responders.

The physical address of the Brunswick Police Department is:

601 Gloucester St.

Brunswick, GA 31520

The City Hall phone number is (912) 267-5500, and the Public Works number is (912) 267-3703.

Emergency contact information

If you are in Brunswick, GA, and you need to report a phone scam, there are several resources available to you. It is important to note that if you are in an emergency situation, you should always dial 911.

For non-emergency situations, you can contact the Brunswick Police Department during business hours, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. The non-emergency phone number is 912-267-5559, and the fax number is 912-267-5526. You can also email the department, but note that the mailbox is not monitored 24 hours a day.

If you need to report a phone scam outside of business hours, you can call the Glynn-Brunswick Emergency 911 Center at 912-554-3645. This number will connect you to emergency responders.

Additionally, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you have experienced a phone scam. The FTC can be reached online at FTC.gov or by phone at 1-877-FTC-HELP. You can also report phone scams to the National Do Not Call Registry at DoNotCall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222.

To reduce calls from telemarketers and scammers, you can enroll your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. This is a free service, and you can sign up at www.donotcall.gov. It is important to note that even if you are on this registry, you may still receive scam calls, so always be cautious when answering calls from unknown numbers.

If you have lost money to a phone scam, you should also report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.FTC.gov. Provide as much information as possible, including the phone number that received the call, the number on your caller ID, any numbers you were told to call back, and the date and time of the call.

Remember, always trust your instincts and err on the side of caution when dealing with potential phone scams. Hang up if you feel uncomfortable, and do not give out any personal or financial information unless you are sure the caller is legitimate.

How to avoid phone scams

Phone scams are a serious issue that can cost people anywhere from a few dollars to their entire life savings. Scammers employ a variety of tactics to defraud people, including friendly and helpful behaviour, threats, and scare tactics. They will do whatever it takes to get your money or personal information to commit identity theft. Here are some ways to avoid becoming a victim of phone scams:

General Good Practices

• Don't answer unknown callers: It is recommended to avoid calls from unknown numbers and not to entertain any unknown service providers trying to sell services. If you are interested in their services, conduct online research to determine the company's reputation.
• Don't wire money: Scammers often request clients to wire money because it is impossible to reverse cash transactions. Do not send money unless you are sure about the authenticity of the deal.
• Never reply to messages asking for financial/personal information: This practice is known as "phishing," where scammers try to trick you into divulging sensitive information. Never share your financial or personal information with unknown message senders, whether via text, email, advertisement, or phone call.
• Be wary of lottery scams: Lottery scams involve sending a message claiming you have won a lottery, but you have to pay "custom duties" or a "fee." You have not won anything, and they are just trying to get your personal information.
• Hang up on robocalls: Robocalls are illegal if the company calling has not done business with you in the past month. Do not press any buttons to speak with an operator or be removed from their list, as this could result in more robocalls.
• Get a call-blocking app: These apps can block unwanted phone numbers from reaching your phone, even if you switch to a different device. While not perfect, they can prevent most unwanted calls. Depending on your carrier, you may have to pay for this service.

Knowing How to Deal with Scammers on the Phone

• Don't confirm or deny your identity until you know who is calling: Legitimate callers will indicate who they are and where they are from.
• Decide how to proceed based on your comfort level: After the caller has identified themselves, you can choose to acknowledge yourself, gather more information without disclosing your identity, or simply hang up.
• Check the legitimacy of the caller: Ask for the caller's name, company (including phone number and contact address), and reason for calling. If this information is not provided within 10 seconds, hang up. Chances are, it's a scam. You can also type the address or phone number into a search engine to verify the caller's identity.
• Do not disclose personal information or passwords: Do not confirm computer usage, ownership of anything in your house, or account numbers. Callers asking for this information should immediately raise a red flag.
• Ask what the caller wants early in the call: Your time is valuable, and scammers will try to waste it with unnecessary details. If the information provided is not specific, hang up.
• Never use affirmative until you know the call is legitimate: Your affirmation may be recorded and used for fraudulent purchases.
• Record the call: Ask for basic information such as the caller's name and address. If the call is disconnected after asking these questions, it is likely a scam. A real company will not hang up on a prospective or existing customer.
• Do not go to websites following the prompts of cold calls: You may be downloading a virus, allowing access to your computer, or giving away personal information that can be used for malicious purposes.
• Be strong and put safety first: Ask basic questions and verify caller information to avoid making a mistake. Some of these rules may seem rude, but remember that it is rude for a scammer, telemarketer, or fake non-profit to call you. Real companies will not be offended.

How to Report Scams in Brunswick, GA

If you believe you have received a scam call in Brunswick, GA, you can report it by calling the non-emergency police number at 912-267-5559 or the urgency without emergency number at 912-554-3645. Additionally, you can report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission or your phone carrier.

Frequently asked questions