The Pennsylvania State Police want people to be aware of scams surrounding the Olympics.
State Police say scammers try to capitalize on all high-profile occasions by using techniques to steal cash and personal information from victims and the 2018 Winter Olympics is no different.
According to PSP, there are several Olympics-related scams going around.
-Car Decorations. An email is being sent that appears to come from the United States Olympic Committee. It offers to pay $350 a week to display Olympic material on your vehicle. Victims who respond are sent a check greater than $350 and then instructed to deposit and wire transfer any extra amount back to the company. Police say it’s a scam.
-Gold-Medal Malware. People are receiving emails and texts appearing to contained updates, photos and videos of Olympic events. When a victim clicks on a link or downloads an attachment, malware is downloaded that can steal info from their computer.
-Olympic Online Lottery Promotion. Scammers are sending emails telling the recipient they won cash and a trip to South Korea through the Olympic lottery. The emails appear to be legitimate but they are not.
To protect yourself, State Police say to never cash a check that is for more than an amount you are owed and comes with a request to send back the overpayment. Never click on a link or download an attachment unless you are positive it is legitimate. And, when shopping online, use a credit card rather than a debit card in case your information is stolen.
More information is available here.
