3 Scams in Dubuque

Dubuque Police continue to receive numerous complaints of attempted (and sometimes successful) scams in the area.  Recent examples include a relatively new activity often called “cracking cards”.  The schemer(s) put stolen, counterfeit, or closed account/insufficient funds checks in bank accounts belonging to other people (usually via ATM deposit). They then “borrow” the cardholder’s debit card and PIN to withdraw money from the account, usually promising the cardholder a portion of the funds to be withdrawn.  This typically happens before the financial institution learns the check was invalid. The cardholders are recruited through ads placed on Facebook, YouTube and other social media networks. Sometimes, the schemers even go to college campuses to recruit the account holders in person.  The obvious prevention recommendations are to share this warning with others (especially HS/college students & other young adults) and never give your debit/credit card and/or account/PIN information to anyone.
A second scam circulating in the area involves a phone call seeking campaign fund donations for area politicians.  The caller is quite aggressive in soliciting the funds and demands credit card information over the phone to facilitate the contribution.  As always, never give credit card, personal, and/or account information under any circumstances unless you are absolutely sure it is legitimate (and especially when you did not initiate the contact).  As an additional reminder, check your financial/credit accounts and history frequently and thoroughly.

Lastly, DPD received yet another report from a senior citizen who was called by a scammer claiming to be the victim’s grandson.  The scammer went so far as to put a young man on the phone who the victim truly believed was her grandson.  The scammers tried to convince the victim her grandson was incarcerated and needed money immediately for bond.  Fortunately, when the victim went to a local store to conduct the money transfer, the store employee questioned the validity of the situation.  One phone call to the grandson’s parents confirmed this was indeed a scam.  Again, never send, transfer, wire or otherwise provide funds unless you are absolutely sure it is legitimate.  Often a simple phone call or internet research will verify it’s a scam.