Fraud Prevention
Stop fraud by reporting it. Only one-third of people who are victims of scam artists report them to police. Report these criminals so they can't take advantage of you or someone else in the future.
If you have doubts about a business, phone the Better Business Bureau.
- Never pay for products or services ahead of time unless you are sure the company is reputable.
- Read everything in a contract before you sign it. Don't sign anything you feel nervous about or do not understand.
- Don't let anyone pressure you to sign anything or to give an answer right away.
- Beware of overly friendly strangers. Scam artists report that the key to selling a scam is to first become friendly with the victim.
- If a sales person won't give you straight answers, stop the conversation.
- Never give out personal information, such as your social security, bank account, or credit card numbers, over the phone unless you initiated the call and know to whom you're talking.
- If someone tells you to place a "900" call to "win" something of value, think first. You pay for 900 area code calls; the cost can be as high as $10 per minute.
- Be careful of contests, giveaways, sweepstakes, free vacation offers, investment offers, and cures for illness or aging. Many are scams.
Remember: If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
