Steer clear of political polling calls that promise gift cards in exchange for taking a voter survey. Survey cons are taking advantage of the U.S. presidential campaign with a timely phishing scam. How the Scam Works: ...
News Archive
Protection & Security
We are committed to educating our community members about scams targeting seniors in Santa Clara County; as well as providing up-to-date information offering protection against such scams. This page offers timely data about scams reported, steps to take when targeted, and how to avoid these scams. Guidance is made available as scams are identified.
Receive updates on identified scams targeting seniors by visiting the national database: fraud.org.
Worried about Zika? Watch Out for Cure Scams
Within the Bay Area, nine counties have been victimized by the Zika Virus effecting more than 32 individuals. In Santa Clara County, there have been nine reported cases since July 22, 2016. The Better Business Bureau discovered a scam, selling a cure for the Zika...
IRS Warns of Back-to-School Scams; Encourages Students, Parents, Schools to Stay Alert
The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers against telephone scammers targeting students and parents/grandparents/guardians during the back-to-school season and demanding payments for non-existent taxes, such as the “Federal Student Tax.” Be on the lookout...
Learn how to protect yourself from The Imposter Scam
In an Imposter Scam, con artists pressure victims into paying money for taxes, a prize, or a quick personal loan by posing as a government agent, a sweepstakes representative, or even a relative desperate for help. These scams are designed to separate...
Protect Yourself from the Grandparent Scam
A common scam that is deliberately aimed at older Americans is referred to as the “grandparent scam.” In this instance, scammers try to get you to wire money to help your grandchild. Once the money is wired, it is difficult to trace and retrieve. Scammers do this by...
Avoid the IRS Telephone Scam
Have you or someone you love ever received a call from the IRS demanding payment or asking to verify your personal information to send a refund? If so, you are one of the roughly 896,000 Americans that have been contacted by scammers. This con and many others can...
Be Aware: Phone Scam Alert in Santa Clara County
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office would like all residents to be aware of a telephone scam that can happen to you. “The most recent scam involves a person claiming to be a Deputy, Sergeant, Lieutenant or any other ranking officer for the Sheriff's Office....