Protecting yourself from potential scams

(ABC 6 News) – The library and police department in Albert Lea partnered up to host a class on scam awareness Thursday.

Police say some of the most common scams are elderly or grandparent scams, technology, government impersonators, energy or utility company impersonators, and tax and romance scams.

“If we can make people more aware to be skeptical of things then that might help someone not be a victim of a scam,” Detective Sy Vanthavong said.

Authorities said it’s important to educate yourself on things like social media and how to protect your identity and financial information.

They also say to be wary of people asking for any personal or financial information over the phone, email, or text and say the best thing you can do if you feel you’ve been a victim of a scam is to contact your financial institutions and call the police to make a report.