The Winter Parking Ban is an effect. Vehicles parked on the street between 1:00 AM and 7:00 AM are subject to fines. Any vehicles parked on the street during a snow emergency may be fined and towed. For residents who live in or around the center of town, vehicles can be parked, overnight, in the […]
Archive for February, 2020
Tax Season and Fraud
Posted By Winchester Police on February 27th, 2020
With tax season upon us, The Winchester Police Department would like to remind residents to be extra vigilant when it comes to identity theft and fraud. Remember, The IRS, FBI, Social Security Administration, sheriff’s departments, local police departments or any other government agency will NEVER ask you to pay fines or taxes with Home Depot or iTunes or ANY other gift card. Nor will they ask you to purchase MoneyGrams or by wire funds via Western Union.
Most banks and corporations will not call you and ask you to provide them with your Social Security number, though some institutions may ask you to confirm only the last 4 digits of it. Your bank will not call you and request you to give them your account information. If it really is your bank calling you, they will already have that information. If you receive such a call from any company or government agency, ask the caller for a reference number and then call them back with a phone number you locate on your own and can confirm is legitimate. Don’t use the number the caller provided you unless you have independently confirmed it is a legitimate number.
Most government agencies and private businesses have websites that will provide legitimate ways of contacting them. Legitimate institutions are aware that this type of fraud exists. If they are trying to reach you, they will understand if you tell them you will call back after doing your due diligence.
Most importantly, if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t! Go with your instinct! Below, find a link to some resources to assist you in protecting yourself and helping you if you do become a victim.
