The Office for Victims of Crime, the federal agency that administers the Crime Victims Fund, has received multiple reports that its name is being used as part of an imposter scam targeting individuals throughout the country. These scammers are calling from local numbers and may suggest your social security number has been compromised and even provide a “case number,” but be warned, it is a fraud. Do not give them any of your personal information — and do not send any money.
Contact from someone claiming to be the government gets your attention, but don’t be fooled. Criminals use legitimate government references and the threat of government action to trick individuals into taking action that facilitates theft. The initial communication could come in any form—letter, phone call, email, or text message. No matter the form, the goal is the same: to get personal or business information and steal money. If you receive a text or email from any source claiming to come from a government agency or employee with an attachment or link asking you to open it or click on it, do not do it until you verify it is authentic.
With this scam in particular, be alert for calls from anyone representing themselves as an OVC employee or being from the “OVC Fraud Prevention Unit.” The OVC has no such unit. If you receive one of these calls, report it to the OVC Resource Center at the National Criminal Justice Reference Service at 800-851-3420. You may also file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at the contact information below or with the Federal Trade Commission online or by calling 877-382-4357.
Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.
