The Pella Police Department reminds everyone to stay vigilant regarding scams over the phone.

An uptick in social security fraud calls are being reported to the department, as scam artists are falsely identifying themselves as a federal agent or employee in calls to residents. Pella Police Detective Justin Bailey says the scammers’ goal is to gain personal information or money from the victim. The caller may also threaten an arrest or financial penalty to get the victim to comply.

Bailey says everyone receiving calls from apparent bill collectors should verify the other party to check the legitimacy of the call before making any type of payment, especially if a business translation or debt collection is not self-initiated. Government agencies, utility companies, and legitimate debt collectors or private businesses do not ask for payment by gift cards or other prepaid means.

No credit card, bank account, social security numbers, or other personal information should be given, especially in response to what would be a call that isn’t verified and is threatening in nature.

Those who suspect that they or a family member are a victim of fraud, have given out bank or personal information, and personal information has been accessed, should contact their local Law Enforcement agency, the bank and/or financial institute dealing with the information that was accessed, or make a report on www.ic3.gov (a victim geared reporting webpage).