Protect Yourself From Fraud

Fraud can happen to anyone. Criminals use clever techniques to defraud victims of millions of dollars every year. Learn about some of the most common scams and how to avoid becoming a victim: PRIZE AND LOTTERY SCAMS – Usually

the caller will say you’ve won a prize, but need to pay taxes, registration fees, or shipping to receive it. They may even impersonate well-known entities to gain your trust. Don’t wait until after you pay, to find out there is no prize. FAMILY IN TROUBLE – Callers that

claim your loved one has been arrested, kidnapped, or injured and are demanding money on the spot, are probably trying to scam you. Your loved one’s cell phone could have been lost, stolen, or cloned. Often times these scammers do their research, prey upon your emotions and sound very believable. ONLINE SALES – Buying or selling on a third-party website or app such as Offer Up, eBay, Letgo or others? Never accept a check as payment. Meet in public, in a well-lit place and make sure the item you are buying actually works before handing over your cash. GOVERNMENT CALLS – The Social

Security Administration, IRS or other government entity will never call to ask for your social security number, or demand that you pay a debt over the phone or by wire transfer. Threats of arrest are also a red flag. CALLS FROM UTILITY COMPANIES –

Receive a call from someone claiming to be from a utility company, telling you they will shut off services immediately unless you make a payment over the phone? Hang up and call the number listed on your utility bill to verify. AT HOME VISITS – If someone shows up to your home, claiming to be from a utility company and needing to do a repair you did not request, don’t be distracted. Don’t fall for fake IDs either. We recommend that you do not open your door and call the company directly if necessary.

UNSOLICITED EMAILS OR TEXT

MESSAGES – Phishing messages and text messages say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts, claim there’s a problem with your account, say you’re eligible for a refund or send you a fake invoice. Don’t click on the links! If you believe the messages may be from a legitimate business, call the number on your bill or statement to verify.

PROTECT YOURSELF!

Don’t trust caller ID: Scammers can spoof their calls from anywhere in the world and make the name and phone number on your screen appear to look legitimate. Block unwanted calls or text messages.

STOP BEFORE

YOU PAY – Never wire money to anyone you don’t know personally! Be wary of callers who request you pay them with a prepaid credit card, gift card or through money transfer apps. This is risky because it’s nearly impossible to get your money back. And remember, if someone you don’t know sends you a check and asks for money back, it’s probably a scam. RESIST PRESSURE – Criminals pressure you to act quickly. Legitimate companies will be happy to give you time to make a decision. TALK TO SOMEONE – Before you give up your money or personal information, talk to someone you trust. Slow down, check out the story, consult an expert or just tell a friend… and call the police. SIGN UP – Help prevent mail fraud by signing up for USPS Informed Delivery at USPS.com and check your credit regularly. Visit www.ftc.gov/credit or call 1-877-FTC-HELP for more details.

You can report fraud, scams, and bad business practices by submitting a claim to the Federal Trade Commission at www. reportfraud.ftc.gov. And don’t forget to contact your local police department if you have been a victim of a scam. With your help, we can stop others from being victimized.

COMMUNICATION FROM YOUR BANK

OR CREDIT CARD – your bank or credit card company will NEVER call or email YOU and ask for your FULL social security number, date of birth, and account number. Do not disclose your pin, username, or password for online banking to callers either. EMPLOYMENT SCAMS – Scammers

may request that you pay an application fee or charge high fees in advance prior to placement. Some scammers will even send you a check to pay for items or equipment needed to do the “job.” Checks will clear your bank account, but days or weeks later your bank will reverse that deposit due to fraud, leaving you at a loss. EXTENDED CAR WARRANTIES –

or worthless service contracts. Buy your warranties directly from a reputable dealer.