Sheriff sprinkle says "Watch out!" with telephone solicitors.

Sheriff R. N. Sprinkle would like to remind residents of recent suspicious telephone calls which have occurred in Botetourt County.

In these incidents perpetrators have contacted county citizens purporting to be a health care employee. In particular as a representative to assist those with Medicare claims and benefits.

Legitimate health care and service providers will NEVER ask for personal information such as date of birth or social security numbers.

Should you have comments or questions please feel free to contact Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Officer Lt. Jeff Stritesky at (540) 473-8351 or jstritesky@botetourt.org.

In addition the following six tactics will assist you in the prevention of telephone fraud.

1. Never give personal information to someone on the phone.

2. If the caller tells you he or she wants to give you something for free, then you shouldn’t have to pay to receive it.

3. Do not get pressured into making a quick decision.

4. In addition to rushing you, some unscrupulous telemarketers will try to convince you not to talk to anyone about the call

5. Always be clear on what products or services you are purchasing.

6. Do not pay for goods or services through wire transfers.

– Lieutenant Jeff Stritesky, BCSD