Weldon Police Department reports identity theft scam

by Lance Martin, Daily Herald Senior Staff Writer
Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 5:08 PM EDT

WELDON — Fraudulent lottery schemes continue to be one of several ways scam artists are trying to steal the identities of the elderly.
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The latest occurred Friday in Weldon when an elderly woman was informed she won $850,000 in a contest she never entered.

The caller was persistent, Lt. James Avens said yesterday, leaving messages, a return phone number and becoming belligerent when the potential victim would not pick up the phone.

The caller said they would have someone deliver the money as long as the victim had their identification ready.

Avens said he called the number, which was traced back to Jamaica, and eventually his call was returned. “The male subject who called back was nasty,” he said.

It was evident this was an identity theft scam, Avens said, as a variety of personal information including bank account information was sought. “Identity theft is on the rise,” he said. “People, especially the elderly should be cautious when someone calls asking for their bank information of social security. They should call 911 or law enforcement.”

Copyright © 2010 Roanoke Daily Herald

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