Know The Facts Tips To Avoid Scams And Fraud

Know the red flags! Scammers want to

Scam you! Scammers target thousands of people in the United States. They take several approaches: ■ Cold calls ■ Robo calls ■ Text messages ■ Email ■ Social media/online sites (such as Facebook™) ■ Fake promotions sent to you Don’t assume your caller ID is accurate. Scammers use apps and other technology to hide their names and numbers.

Be warned! Scammers want you to feel a sense of urgency, and not think things through. Someone will call you and urge you to send money immediately to: ■ Receive a reward ■ Avoid government action against you ■ Help a loved one in crisis. They may threaten you with dire consequences, such as arrest. Threats may also include unsolicited food deliveries or other unsolicited services sent to your home.

Rob you! Scammers want to take your money. You may be asked to send cash, checks or money orders via USPS, FedEx, UPS or other overnight/express delivery services. These addresses are often private homes, not legitimate business addresses. You may be instructed to purchase gift cards and provide the scammers with the numbers on the back of the cards. They may ask for your bank, debit or credit card information. They may also ask you to send them your debit or credit card. You may receive money orders or checks, along with instructions to deposit them into your personal bank account. These payments may be fake or come from overdraft and/or closed accounts. They may urge you to open new bank accounts to receive your rewards.

How to Avoid Falling Victim to Scams

Screen Your Calls The best way to avoid falling victim to scammers is to not give them the opportunity to talk to you. Don’t answer calls from phone numbers you don’t recognize. Set up your voicemail. A person who is trying to contact you legitimately will leave a message with their information — most scammers won’t.

Block unwanted calls and text messages, especially from numbers you don’t recognize or from people who are promising something in exchange for money. If you answer a call, don’t feel obligated to listen — you can just hang up. To put your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, call 1-888-382-1222 and/or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY) or visit donotcall.gov

Protect personal information and payments

Do not share personal information such as your Social Security number or bank account details with an unsolicited caller. Scammers only need a few pieces of information to take control of your accounts. Be suspicious whenever someone asks for money via cash, check, gift cards, money order or wire transfer. Protect your money and take the time to assess the risk of losing it. Keep in mind that once scammers have your money it is unlikely you will ever get it back. Do not deposit checks from people you do not know or whom you have never met in person.

If a financial institution determines a check is fraudulent, you may be responsible for returning the funds. Do not trust that a phone number someone provides you is legitimate, even if it is an area code beginning with (800) or (888). This phone number may belong to another scammer who is in on the scheme. Review your accounts regularly for any suspicious activity or transactions that you did not authorize, and report it immediately to your financial institution. Do your own independent research online on companies, names, and phone numbers before providing personal information or sending any money.

Don’t be pressured into taking immediate action. Entities such as legitimate businesses and the government give you ample opportunity to get paid. Be smart about what you decide to pay. Remember, winning is always free.