TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -During times of crisis scam artists tend to come out of the woodwork preying on people in desperate situations and the government shutdown is no exception.
Whether you are a federal employee or just someone who wants to help those in need, here are a few things to look out for.
Shutdown scams come in all shapes and sizes. According to Consumer Reports, fake employers are taking advantage of cash-strapped federal workers by offering them bogus side jobs.
"Just make sure that you research the company that is advertising. Sometimes these can be scams. A lot of times they will ask you up front for your info such as your drivers license, social security and birthday, so they can get your information processed," said Officer Damon Miller with the Tallahassee Police Department.
Officer Miller also said never give a potential employer your personal information over the phone.
New technology is allowing scammers to spoof the actual phone numbers of government agencies, so even though the number of the call coming in may look legit it may not be.
"Research the number. You can always check on any internet search engine to see if the number pops up," said Miller. The results might surprise you, many people online may be complaining about calls from that same number.
Sometimes people will do car washes and bake sales to help support victims of this disaster and that disaster and a lot of times the money never even goes toward that. Although it is a great gesture just be wary about whose taking the money what they are doing with it and if they have been ever convicted of fraud.
Officer Miller said it may be safer to give donations to the major agencies or organizations with a proven track record so you know, for sure, that the money is going to the victim's.
