Scam Alert: Suspect claiming to be a DIRECTV employee demands money

Eureka, Ca., (KIEM)- A caller identifying himself as “Paul Wilson” from DIRECTV has been working a phone scam in Humboldt County, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

The scammer asks victims for an over the phone credit card payment, that would then be reimbursed in their next monthly bill. One victim was asked to pay $229 with their credit card. The scammer did know a victim’s account number. The victim called DIRECTV, and learned they had no “Paul Wilson” on staff. The sheriff’s office reminds everyone that some sensitive account information can be found when mail isn’t properly disposed of. Shred bills and other mail that may have account numbers, bill totals and other information that a scammer could use to trick you.

You can report phone scams to your local law enforcement and to the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.