Beware: We have all heard of the scams in the Metropolitan areas, but in our nice little city of Oak Harbor? Yes! On Saturday evening I received a phone call from a man claiming to be from the National Security System. After verifying my name and address, he told me that $1,100 had been taken from my bank account without my knowledge and without my consent. If I would just give him the name of my bank they would make sure the money would be deposited back into my account the first thing Tuesday morning. Not wanting to give him that information, I said I would prefer to have the money sent to me instead of putting it into my account. “Can’t do that as we need a tracking number from the bank.” I told him if he would just give me his telephone number, I would get the numbers he needed and call him right back. After verifying my name and address, he said they would send the money to my mailing address. I’m not holding my breath.

Please, don’t give any information if you receive a call like this. They don’t need a lot of information to clean out your bank account in less time than you can check with your bank. And you’ll never see that $1,100 they promise you. Be warned, and be careful.

Joyce Rip

Oak Harbor