By Mary O’KEEFE

It can start with a phone call to a resident. The person on the other end begins with, “I am calling to collect a debt” and then proceeds to go over funds owed either from a long ago debt that may have been forgotten, or for a utility bill not paid. As the conversation continues, the person on the phone becomes more and more aggressive as payment on the debt is demanded. The resident begins to ask about the debt, trying to get exact information, but the caller just becomes more agitated and at some point may even threaten the resident with legal action or with having them arrested. This is when, law enforcement advises, the resident is to ask for a call back number, then check their own records. Do not send funds, especially if the caller ask for money to be sent via Green Dot or some other money transfer system that is difficult to trace.

“These are called phishing scams,” said Sgt. Dan Suttles, Glendale police spokesman.

Phishing is when criminals make a series of random calls to residents with the hope that just one person will send money without question.

Suttles said these scams are common and many times target the elderly because of their trusting nature.

“It may not be because of their age [that makes them trusting], but their generation,” he said. “They come from a time when you could trust [others].”

He added that during some calls the caller will tell the person, or victim, they have a warrant for their arrest and if they don’t send money someone will show up to arrest them.

This is not the way law enforcement works.

In addition to the debt calls, there are calls made asking for donations to organizations. Some may be legitimate but some are those preying on the generosity of others.

“Ask for a number to call back,” Suttles suggested if a caller seems suspicious. “Get other people involved.”

He suggested to contact a family member and let them know about the calls and work together to see if the caller is legitimate. If they have questions, victims can call local law enforcement to collect more information.

Suttles said the holidays and after a disaster are times when people are the most generous. Because of the recent fires in Southern California and the approaching holidays, it is a perfect time for crimes of opportunity.

“It is completely natural to want to give to others,” Suttles said of people’s inclination to respond positively to calls for help. There are predators, though, who are using the fires as a way to take advantage of those who want to help their neighbors.

Suttles suggested that for those who want to donate to do so through organizations like the American Red Cross and local churches with which they’re familiar and that are collecting for fire victims.

“Be charitable but be cautious,” he said.

Call, click or text to give. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

  Mary Okeefe