PUBLIC NOTICE - SCAM ALERT
There has been an effort to scam customers who had an item on the Planning & Zoning Board agenda to pay an exorbitant fee through a wire transfer. The scammers created an email that looked like it was from the City of Lakeland with instructions to wire money to a New York bank account. Of course, this is a scam, and the City of Lakeland would never initiate and ask for payment for a service over a phone, or through email. Unsolicited phone calls, text messages, or emails purporting to be from the City of Lakeland demanding immediate payment are frauds. Do not fall victim to fraud and when in doubt call the City of Lakeland to make absolute sure you are not dealing with a scammer pretending to be a City employee.
- Never send money via gift card or wire transfer to someone you have never met face-to-face.Seriously, just don’t ever do it. If a scammer asks you to use a wire transfer, a prepaid debit card, or a gift card, those cannot be traced and are as good as cash. Chances are, you won't see your money again. If a scammer impersonating a City of Lakeland employee is trying to convince you to pay this way, stop, get off the phone, computer or your mobile device, and call the City of Lakeland. Do not use the number provided by the scammers.
- Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in unsolicited emails.Links could download malware onto your computer, smartphone, tablet, or whatever electronic device you're using at the time, allowing cyber thieves to steal your identity. Be cautious even with an email that looks familiar; it could be fake. Instead, delete it if it looks unfamiliar and block the sender.
- Don’t believe everything you see.Scammers are great at mimicking official seals, fonts, and other details. Just because a website or email looks official does not mean that it is. Caller ID is commonly faked. When in doubt make your own call to the agency or company the scammers are impersonating.
- 6. Never share personally identifiable information with someone who has contacted you unsolicited, whether it’s over the phone, by email, on social media, or even at your front door. This includes banking and credit card information, your birthdate, and Social Security numbers. Protect you and your family from identity theft.
- 7. Resist the pressure to act immediately. Shady actors typically try to make you think something is scarce or a limited-time offer. They want to push victims to make a decision right away before even thinking through it, asking family members, friends, or financial advisors. Sometimes, they'll advise against contacting anyone and just trusting them. While high-pressure sales tactics are also used by some legitimate businesses, it typically isn't a good idea to make an important decision quickly.
- Use secure and traceable transactions. Do not pay by wire transfer, prepaid money card, gift card or another non-traditional payment method. Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, and high upfront payments.
Contact
Kevin Cook
Director of Communications
City of Lakeland
863.834.6264
Kevin.Cook@LakelandGov.net
About Lakeland
The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population fast approaching 130,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State in 1889.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.
