Nowadays, you can never be too cautious when receiving those calls from unknown callers or emails from scammers saying an account may need your attention. Galesburg Police Chief Russ Idle reiterates not giving out any personal information, especially if you did not initiate a conversation first:
“A lot of the internet scams, the phone scams, where people will call and pretend to be the government or a utility company and try to get people to give them their personal information. We would just encourage people that if you are in contact with someone that you don’t know, make sure you don’t give your personal information out. If you get a phone call from Ameren, and they want information from you, then you can hang up, and then call back and call Ameren directly yourself. If you didn’t initiate the contact by internet or phone and you don’t know who you are talking to, do not give out your personal information.”
If you receive suspicious phone calls, emails, or texts, contact your local banker or police department to report the activity.
**Written by WMOI/WRAM Director of Communications Kelsey Crain**
