Talk of The Villages Florida - Scam Alert from Seniors vs. Crime. Wildwood/Villages, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sable99 (Post 1144349)

The link didn't work for me.

Quote:

SCAM ALERT!! FAKE DELIVERY SCAM -
Mark Simon from our Wildwood Office forwarded this information about a scam that has surfaced elsewhere but has the potential to happen anywhere.
A lady received a phone call from a person claiming to be from Express Couriers (although any name could have been used). She was asked if she would be home during the next hour as they had a package to deliver and a signature was required.
About an hour later, a uniformed man showed up at her door with a bouquet of flowers and a gift bottle of wine. She inquired who the sender was since the day was not a special occasion or holiday. The "courier" stated he didn't know and that a card was arriving in the mail spearately.
The "courier" then explained that since alcohol was being delivered a verification/delivery charge of $3.50 was required. Only credit or debit cards were accepted since couriers didn't have cash. The transaction would also provide a paper trail to ensure delivery.
The lady's husband provided a credit card and was asked to swipe it in a card reader which he did. He also had to provide his 3 digit security code. A receipt was printed and the courier was on his way.
Within a week, the couple discovered that over $4,000 had been charged to their credit card account. They promptly notified the bank of the fraudulent charges and were given a new card. The incident was reported to the local police who verified that several other households had suffered the same fate.
Long and short - BEWARE of "surprise gifts or packages, especially where you are asked to provide any payment that can't be handled with cash. With the holidays rapidly approaching, this scam could find it's way to your front door.

From the above link to Facebook.