Email Scams Target Local Residents

DEARBORN (WWJ) - A warning to folks in Dearborn about suspicious emails that have been circulating the internet recently.

Dearborn Police warn residents that there have been several email attempts aimed at residents to reveal personal information which can be used to steal their identity.

The emails claim to be from various entities and one purports to be from the FBI.

These emails may say they are investigating a loss of company data or a bank scam and you need to provide your account number.  They may say you have won a lottery and they need your account number to transfer the funds.

There are many variations of this scam designated to obtain your personal information in an effort to make electronic withdraws from your bank accounts and/or assume your identity to obtain fraudulent credit accounts.

Police say these scammers use a variety of lies to persuade victims to provide information needed to make electronic debits from the victim's accounts.  Residents are cautioned not to give out their personal information.

- View FRAUD SCAM EXAMPLE here - (pdf)

- View 2nd FRAUD SCAM EXAMPLE here - (pdf)

Residents can call their bank or credit card company directly using the number provided on their credit card or bank statement to determine if they are legitimately trying to make contact.

Police caution to never use phone numbers listed in the emails as they will be fraudulent as well.