Dish Network scam hits area

A Havre resident asked the Havre Daily News to warn people of a scam the resident experienced — someone calling saying they were from Dish Network and asking the resident, who asked not to be named, to give information from their Dish Network menu screen.

The call disconnected, and before the scammer — identified by caller ID as calling from Dish Network — could call back the resident called Dish Network using a phone number the resident trusted.

A company representative told the resident Dish Network never would call their customers and that it was a scam.

When the scammer called back, he became threatening when the resident said he was perpetrating a scam.

The way the scam was perpetrated is one of the items listed on U.S. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information “10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Fraud” page.

“Don’t believe your caller ID,” the page said. “Technology makes it easy for scammers to fake caller ID information, so the name and number you see aren’t always real. If someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up. If you think the caller might be telling the truth, call back to a number you know is genuine.”

The Dish Network fraud page also warns about the scam.

“Criminals attempting to commit fraud sometimes call customers and claim to be Dish representatives. Since they are able to ‘spoof’ Dish’s phone number — make it appear as though their call is coming from Dish even though it is not — these calls often appear legitimate,” the page said.

“Do not provide these callers with any personal or account information, including your account number, security code, receiver number, or location ID. You may be asked to provide this information when you contact Dish directly, in order to verify that you are authorized to access the account and/or make changes, but Dish will never call you asking for this information.

“If you receive a questionable call, hang up and call back on Dish’s main phone number: 800-333-Dish — 800-333-3474,” the page adds.

The scam is just one of many regularly perpetrated, including people claiming to represent the Internal Revenue Service, Microsoft, or even claiming to be a friend or relative of the victim asking for money, perhaps to get out of jail.

Agencies and companies regularly say they will not call people to ask for or order the person to send money. Any time people receive an unexpected request for money — or a claim that the victim should deposit a check then wire money to the caller or some other unexpected prize or assistance — the person receiving the call should research first.

“Before you give up your money or personal information, talk to someone you trust. Con artists want you to make decisions in a hurry,” the Federal Trade Commission page said. “They might even threaten you. Slow down, check out the story, do an online search, consult an expert — or just tell a friend.”

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Online: Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information “10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Fraud:” https://bit.ly/2edjs9g

Dish Network fraud prevention page: https://bit.ly/2F1TeUW/.