Scammers exploit Ballinger locals, selling personal data for profit

Police say that scammers will sell your information to others to defraud you out of property, credit, money, and more.

The tips shared from the police department are:

• Set up a 2-step verification.
• Create unique passwords.
• Check the three credit bureaus regularly.
• Check your mortgage company for any unusual requests, such as loan transfers.
• Check the Social Security Administration.
• Government agencies will not ask for gift cards as a form of payment.
• Your valid companies will not ask for your routing number to verify.
• Set up security questions.
• Do not share your information! Place important documents in safes or a secure location.
• Shred (cross-cut) your mail, labels, cards, etc.
• If you see any unusual activity, immediately report it to your company’s fraud department.

Ballinger Police Department officials would like to remind residents that all solicitors must have a permit and must show it to you. If you speak to them, you may be at risk and should be aware.