Tips on protecting yourself from fraud
A collection of tips, tricks, and advice on how to avoid being conned, scammed or defrauded.
Do not under any circumstances give out your date of birth, mother's maiden name, social security number and
other personal information to people or web sites you are not fully comfortable with.
Keep close watch on your sign-in names, ID names and passwords on the internet and a keep close watch on your
credit and debit card PIN numbers.
Products that are too good to be true
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Remember that a con artist makes a career of using excuses and
explanations to lead you away from your common sense. When dealing with your money and personal information,
never allow yourself to be rushed, threatened or persuaded against your judgment.
Don't believe offers that claim to have found a way around the law -- like reasons you don't have to pay your
bills or taxes, promises to clean up your credit history or claims that you can get a new Social Security number
or a new driver's license if yours was revoked. And claims of "miracle diets or pills" that can enhance your
features or help you lose weight should be regarded with skepticism at best.
Keep in mind that offers that are too good to be true aren't confined to the Internet or telemarketers. They can also be found in mail offers, the ads in the back of magazines and in brick-and-mortar stores. Stay vigilant and trust your gut.
Candy from strangers
Don't trust a stranger that calls and asks for your money. Be wary of unexpected letters, or even personal visits from
strangers who offer quick-profit schemes. Con artists make their living by being friendly and sounding honest.
Is the person you are dealing with trying to make you feel guilty? "Can't you make your own decisions?" Are they trying to
make you feel silly or stupid? "Boy, when this takes off you will feel so stupid that you didn't invest!" Or how about
greed? Remember that it is your money. Don't let anyone pressure you into investing in something before you have time
to check it out.
Beware of promises of high rates of return and/or quick profits with little or no risk. Con artists know what appeals
to people. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. The higher the return the higher the risk will be.
There is no such thing as a non risk investment.
Don't give your money to anyone who says you must "Act Now! Tomorrow will be too late." If this is such a great
opportunity why are they calling you? It will be here after you have had a chance to check it out. If you act in
haste, the only thing that may be gone tomorrow is your money.
Anyone using high-pressure tactics to force an investor into investing now is almost always selling a scam or
fraud. He or she doesn't want you to think about it or check it out.
Demand written information about the organization and the people behind the investment and its past track record
and read this information! Ask Questions! Don't sign anything or make any commitments until you understand what
you are purchasing. Complete a thorough background check. Bear in mind, however, that even printed material can
be forged, or falsified.
If they tell you that a prospectus or offering circular isn't necessary, hang up or walk away. Even if it isn't
necessary, never invest in something until you have written material about the company and the investment and
have taken the time to check it out.
Be suspicious of "insider information", "hot tips", and "rumors". When a stranger, or even an acquaintance,
offers you a promising investment, ask yourself why. It is illegal to make money by using information that
is not available to the general public.
Don't feel indebted to someone who gives you "unsolicited" financial advice. Free financial advice is probably
worth what you paid for it, and may cost you a great deal. It could cost you your life savings, retirement fund,
or your house.
If you are interested, take the time to talk with a third party, disinterested person. Talk to your regular
stockbroker, your attorney, your accountant, or any other reputable consultant.
When called on the phone by a promoter, don't be afraid to hang up. You are not obliged to listen-in fact, this
kind of solicitation is an invasion of your privacy.
Watch out for multilevel marketing scams. In these scams, distributors or their agents make their fees for
recruiting you and you are the one paying them. Be wary.
To report internet investment scams, contact the Securities and Exchange Commission at enforcement@sec.gov
Links with more ways to help you fight fraud
OptoutPrescreen.com - Stop Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers
Avoiding Credit and Charge Card Fraud
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