Stay Informed. Stay Safe. Stay Empowered.
Fraud Prevention Resources for Carlton Residents
Scams are becoming more sophisticated—but so are we. In Carlton, we believe knowledge is power. Whether it’s a phone call that doesn’t feel right, a suspicious email, or a knock at the door, being prepared can help you stop fraud before it starts.
This page is here to empower you, your family, and your neighbors with tools to recognize, report, and avoid scams targeting seniors and community members of all ages.
Common Scams to Watch Out For:
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Impersonation Scams
Scammers may pretend to be from the IRS, Medicare, Social Security, or even your bank. Always hang up and call the official number directly. -
Tech Support Scams
Never give remote access to your computer or click on pop-up alerts claiming your device is infected. -
“Grandparent” Scams
Be cautious of emotional calls claiming a loved one is in trouble and needs money urgently, especially if they ask for gift cards or wire transfers. -
Lottery or Prize Scams
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Real sweepstakes don’t ask for upfront fees or banking information. -
Human Verification Mimics
This tactic often appears on fraudulent websites or on legitimate sites that have been compromised. It mimics the familiar "Verify You Are Human" tests, like CAPTCHA. Instead of a simple click, it asks you to perform a series of keystrokes, such as:Win + R → CTRL + V → Enter
Following these instructions installs malware on your device. Once installed, the program can capture your usernames, passwords, financial details, or even give criminals access to your system.
What You Can Do:
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Pause and Verify
Take a moment to check the facts. Call a friend, a family member, or the police if something doesn’t feel right. -
Don’t Share Personal Info
Never give your Social Security number, Medicare ID, or banking details to unknown callers or emails. -
Report Suspicious Activity
If you think you've been targeted, don’t be embarrassed—report it! You could help protect someone else in our community. -
Run Regular Anti-Virus and Malware Scans
This can help to catch something that has been installed before it is able to capture too much of your personal information. -
Do NOT Click on Unexpected Pop-ups Or Messages
Do not click on unexpected pop-ups or messages. Legitimate “I am not a robot” verifications will never ask you to enter a string of keystrokes. -
Routinely Monitor Your Credit
Keep an eye out for suspicious activity, such as accounts you did not open.
Helpful Resources:
Together, We Protect Our Community
Fraud prevention starts with awareness—and in Carlton, we look out for one another. Share this information with neighbors and loved ones. Together, we can create a safer, scam-smart community.