Police in LaSalle have given some tips to ensure that you don't get taken by a bank-related scam.
Various scams and fraudulent behaviour have cost victims thousands of dollars. LaSalle police say the first thing to remember is that the bad guys don't always sound bad.
"The caller may have accurate personal information, but that does not validate who's calling," read a post by LaSalle police on their X account. "With technology, the caller can duplicate your bank's phone number in a method called 'spoofing'."
Here are some other warning signs to watch for, according to LaSalle police.
If you are contacted unsolicited by phone, email, text, or other form of communication
If you are asked to give any form of money or purchase gift cards
If you are asked for any personal information such as a PIN, address, or so forth
If the caller gives a sense of urgency or is begging to keep things a secret
Police say to trust your instincts. If something seems off, don't engage. Just hang up. It's better to worry about protecting yourself rather than being discourteous.
If you believe that someone may be scamming you, contact LaSalle police immediately.
More tips on recognizing and preventing fraud can be found on LaSalle police's official website.