SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California.

September 16, 2020

SCAMS PROTECTION TIPS

Courtesy Consumer Financial Protection Board

How can I protect myself and others I care about from fraud and scams?

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and others.

Criminals and con artists use many scams to target unsuspecting people who have access to money. Consumer scams happen on the phone, through the mail, e-mail, or over the internet. They can occur in person, at home, or at a business.

Here are tips to guard against scams:

*Do not share numbers or passwords for accounts, credit cards, or Social Security.

*Never pay up front for a promised prize. It is a scam if you are told that you must pay fees or taxes to receive a prize or other financial windfall.

*Do not allow yourself to be rushed. After hearing a sales pitch, take time to compare prices. Ask for information in writing and read it carefully. Watch out for deals that are only “good today” and that pressure you to act quickly.

*Avoid high-pressure sales tactics that do not allow you time to read a contract or get legal advice before signing. Also, do not fall for the sales pitch that says you need to pay immediately, for example by wiring the money or sending it by courier.

*Too good to be true? Ask yourself why someone is trying so hard to give you a “great deal”. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

You can enter your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Go to http://www.donotcall.gov  or call (888) 382-1222. If you have been a victim you can file a complaint with the US Federal Trade Commission, www.ftc.gov/complaint.

                                                                        #