Police Offer Tips To Protect Yourself From Build It Back Phone Scam

How should you respond to a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to represent the city’s Superstorm Sandy recovery program?

A lieutenant from the Sheepshead Bay station house wanted to offer advice to residents after we reported scammers are targeting Superstorm Sandy victims — posing as representatives of Build it Back in order to get people to provide their personal information.

“I believe we have to be proactive in educating people and making them aware these scams occur,” said Lieutenant Richie Taylor from the 61st Precinct.

The fraud came to the attention of city officials last week after two people reported being targeted, according to a spokesperson from the Mayor’s office. Considering Build it Back is assisting scores of homeowners within the 61st Precinct, the phone scam alarmed Lieutenant Taylor, who had some tips for how residents can protect themselves.

Lieutenant Taylor said people should always be suspicious of phone calls asking for personal information and take steps to identify the caller. He recommended asking for their name and then offering to call them back at the official Build it Back phone number.

“If they aren’t who they say they are, they won’t be on the phone very long,” he said.

The Mayor’s Office has urged homeowners receiving suspicious phone calls about Build it Back to dial the Department of Investigation’s Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fraud Hotline at 212-825-5959. However, Lieutenant Taylor urged neighbors to also call 911. Officers will come to your home to investigate, he said.

Lieutenant Taylor explained the Build it Back scam sounds like similar frauds reported to police. Among them, the IRS scam, where a caller claims to represent the IRS in order to get personal information or threatens the victim with jail time if they don’t pay owed taxes. There is also the grandparent scam, where the victim is told their grandchild has been arrested and needs bail money. Many of these scams target the elderly.

Another scam targeting the elderly is when people pose as utility workers in order to gain entrance to a home. In February, and 81-year-old woman was robbed and assaulted after she opened the door for someone pretending to be a Con Edison employee.

Lieutenant Taylor said residents must alway be vigilant about these scams and know how to recognize them.

“You should be completely satisfied these people are legit in order to protect yourself and your family,” he said.