Con Games, Fraud Schemes and Sweepstakes Scams
It's not always easy to spot a CON GAME or FRAUD
SCHEME. The con artists are charming and persuasive. It's their job; and they do it well.
They can approach you in person, on the phone, over the Internet, or through the media.
Most people feel they are too smart to be conned. The fact is people from all walks of
life are defrauded every day and lose billions of dollars every year.
Con Games
A stranger approaches you about finding a
large amount of money and wants to share it with you. The catch is you need to put up
"good faith" money. Ask yourself why a stranger would want to give you money
THEY found?
A person claims to be a bank official or
detective and wants you to withdraw your money to catch a crooked employee. No bank or
police agency will ask you to withdraw your money for any reason.
Fast-buck artists send a surviving spouse
bills for phony debts, purchases, etc. If you get an unfamiliar bill after the death of
a loved one, check it out before you pay.
Beware of unsolicited home repair deals that
offer unbelievable discounts. Often these deals result in shoddy workmanship, inferior
materials, and incomplete jobs.
Fraud Schemes
Medical Fraud
Offers "miracle cures," lab tests,
etc. Beware: see your physician if you have health problems.
Give only to charities you are familiar with.
Call the Better Business Bureau if in doubt.
Offers free or low cost travel. Beware of
hidden costs.
Illegal. They ask you to pay taxes to collect
your "winnings."
Get-rich-quick, Pyramid, and Ponzi schemes.
Check out the company before you invest.
Offer to help you recover the money you lost
to other fraud schemes!
Tips for Spotting a Con Artist…
They offer you something for nothing
- The offer is too good to be true
- "One time only"
offers
- Offer is void if not accepted immediately
- Don't give you a chance to think, or consult with someone
Foil the Con Artist…
Stop and think before handing over money to any person or company.
Don't let someone into your home without proper identification. Call their office to
check them out.
Don't sign anything unless you understand it – see a lawyer if needed.
Don't be pressured into making a decision right away.
If they don't give straight answers to your questions, end the conversation.
Call the police if you are suspicious.
Sweepstakes Scams
There are many sweepstakes that are legitimate and some people do win
money. But the odds of winning these sweepstakes are extremely slim and it may not be
worth your time to send in the entries. When considering a sweepstakes, make sure you read
the fine print that lists the rules, odds of winning, and certain restrictions to the
contest that explain what you have to do to win.
Although some sweepstakes are legitimate, many are not. Here are some
tips to avoid being a victim of a sweepstakes scam:
- If you did not enter a contest, chances are you did not win one.
- Do not respond to offers that ask you to purchase something first.
- Do not give out your checking account or credit card number for any sweepstakes contest.
- Chances are if you enter one contest you will be placed on a "sucker" list and
many more offers will follow.
- Beware of offers that ask you to call 900 numbers for a free gift. You may spend more
money on the phone call than the gift is worth.
- Be aware that not all numbers beginning with "80" are toll free. Dispute your
phone bill for an 800 or 888 number if you don't have a presubscription arrangement. (Some
companies break the law by charging improperly for entertainment and information services
that you reach by dialing an 800 or 888 number.)
- Just because you make a call in response to a mail, newspaper, television, or magazine
solicitation doesn't mean the offer is legitimate.
- If you have any questions or suspicions about mail solicitation, contact the local
authorities such as the police department, U.S. Postal Service, or the Attorney General's
Office.
- A good rule of thumb is: if it is going to cost you to "win" something then
it's probably a scam.
To Report Fraud:
Better Business Bureau
602-264-1721
Attorney General
Consumer Info & Complaints
602-542-5763
National Fraud Information Center
(if you have been swindled by phone)
1-800-876-7060
Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Fraud
Washington, DC 20580
-- or --
Federal Trade Commission
Telemarketing Fraud Project
Room 200
6th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20580
(if you have been swindled by phone)
|
