SAFETY All vehicles, including golf carts and bicycles, must obey all stop signs and the 20 mph speed limit throughout Lake Ashton. A person operating a golf cart on public roads or streets who is under 18 years must possess a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH (NW) CORNER By Fay Wood, NW Chief How to Spot and Avoid “False Court Appearance” Scams (Courtesy of Law Enforcement) False court appearance scams are a common type of government imposter fraud where criminals pretend to be from a court, police, or government agency to trick you into paying bogus fines or giving personal information. We have received numerous reports of residents being approached using these types of scams. How the Scam Works • False claims: Scammers say you’ve missed a court date, jury duty, or a legal proceeding, even though you never received a legitimate notice. • Threats: They may claim there’s a warrant for your arrest, you’ll be jailed, or you’ll face fines if you don’t act immediately. • Requests for payment: They often demand money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps — methods that are hard to trace and refund. • Requests for personal info: They may ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, or other sensitive details to steal your identity. • Fake credentials: They may use a fake sheriff’s badge number, case number, or official-looking documents to appear legitimate. 21 Red Flags to Watch For • No legitimate court contact: Courts never ask for immediate payment or sensitive personal info over the phone . • Aggressive or threatening tone: Scammers often pressure you to act quickly and warn of jail time. • Unusual payment methods: Avoid paying with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers unless you’re certain it’s legitimate. • Poor document quality: Fake summonses may have grammar/spelling errors, inconsistent fonts, or vague instructions. • Unverified contact info: Scammers may use reallooking but fake court or law enforcement names to sound credible. How to Verify Legitimacy • Do not respond to suspicious calls or emails. • Call the court directly using the number from their official website or public records — never use a number provided in the suspicious message. • Check official channels: For jury duty, contact your county’s jury office by mail or through the official jury portal; for court cases, use your local court’s CM/ECF systems. • Avoid sharing personal info or making payments until you’ve confirmed the request is legitimate. If You’ve Been Scammed • Stop all further contact with the scammer. • Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP . • Contact your local police and your state attorney general’s office. • Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and file a report with your bank or credit card issuer. Courts and law enforcement will never demand immediate payment or sensitive personal information over the phone. If you get such a call or email, hang up, verify through official channels, and do not pay or give out personal information. On Behalf of Your Neighborhood Watch Team, Have a Great Summer!
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