Stay aware, stay alert and don't fall victim to phone scams

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense along with the Mariana Regional Fusion Center are reminding island residents to stay vigilant of potential scams through phone calls and messages.

It’s something both the young and old can fall victim to--having their personal information and bank accounts compromised through scams in the form of unknown calls and messages. Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense Public Information Officer Jenna Blas encourages island residents to stay alert and aware of potential scams as their office has continuously received reports of these suspicious calls and messages.

"In order to recognize and avoid some of these scams, first one is to spot the imposters," she said. "Sometimes scammers can pose as a government office or even a family member or a charity. So it’s important to not send out any money or give out personal information in response to those unexpected requests. Also, recognize that local numbers can be spoofed. Sometimes scammers are able to use technology to fake caller ID information so it might not come from an international area code it might come from a local number."

Other tips include avoiding wiring money through services like Western Union or Moneygram as it's almost impossible to get your money back. Other safe practices include doing online research on a company or product and never paying in advance for things like debt relief, credit and loan offers.

Before providing money or personal information over the phone, speak to someone trustworthy to assess the situation.

 "It’s really about creating that awareness within your family you can do that by talking about it with family members, with the elderly that are in your family making sure that they are aware that if they don’t recognize the number or message, don’t click any links that are associated with it and just help them vet through those messages if you can," added Blas.

Any suspicious scam calls or messages should be reported to the Mariana Regional Fusion Center (671) 475-0400 or via email at [email protected].