CONS & SCAMS

Don't be Fooled

One of the most popular "weapons of choice" today is the telephone because it provides telemarketers an easy entrance to the home, and detection and prosecution are difficult.

Seniors are often targeted because they are naturally trusting and may find it hard to say no to a telemarketer.Telemarketers may work for days or weeks setting up a victim for phone fraud by pretending to be a "friend," even claiming they are in a similar situation.  They may use several voices to sound more legitimate.  They may use real company and charity names, but don't be fooled.  They shouldn't be confused with reputable organizations.

Telemarketers called "list brokers" sell their lists to each other.  These lists may include people who have innocently filled out a sweepstakes entry or contest form.

Con Games & Scams

     Business Schemes:  Mail order "Work-at-Home" jobs usually cost more than you profit.

     Home Repairs:  "Free inspections or estimates" that have hidden costs on repairs that do not exist.

     Utility Inspector:  False accusation of "breaking utility regulations" and offers to find a quick fix when there is really nothing wrong.

     Insurance Fraud:  Policies offering "low rates with big benefits."  If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

     Medical Fraud/Miracle Cures:  "Quick fixes" that may not be medically sound.  Consult with a doctor.

    Property Scams:  Fictitious "investment deals."  Check out the property/owner before purchasing.

    Phony Charities:  Solicitations from groups pretending to be a charity, real or otherwise.  Make your own contacts to donate.

    Debt Consolidation:  Services offering to consolidate bills with hidden high interest rates.

    Bank Scams:  You're asked to withdraw money to help with an undercover investigation.  The money becomes "evidence" that is not returned.  

    Investment Scams/Pyramid Schemes:  "Get Rich" offers that promise little or no risk.  Have your attorney check out any investment.

    Free Prize Offers:  "A prize" for your credit card number, after a purchase, or for attending a sales pitch, usually costs more than the prize.

    Vacation Packages:  "Low-cost trips" that never take place or have hidden expenses.

    Foreign/Domestic Lottery Schemes:  You're told that you've inherited or won a large sum of money.  Consult with an attorney.  Foreign lotteries are illegal in the U.S.

Avoid Scams

1.  Do not talk to telemarketers.

    Use an answering machine.  Telemarketers usually won't leave a message.

    Get Caller I.D.  Only answer calls from phone numbers that you recognize.

    Hang up if there is a long hesitation before someone responds.  Telemarketers make several calls at a time and talk to the first person who answers.

    If you are not interested, hang up.  If you've already fallen for one scam, you may be on a list of "easy targets."

2.  If you do talk to them, trust your instincts.

    Never give out personal information:

         credit card numbers

         bank ID numbers

         driver's license number

         Social Security number

    Ask the state or federal agencies where the company is registered or regulated.

    Get it in writing.  If the offer sounds "too good to be true," it probably is.  Don't be pressured.

    Ask to be put on Do-Not-Call lists.

    Keep a call log.  Note dates and times you've received calls when you'd requested to not be called.

Protect Yourself

You should contact the charities where you want to donate.

Ask about refund policies.

Never agree to pay for something "free."

Beware of testimonials that you can't check out.  (Contacts can be fake.)

Follow up on any unpaid bills accrued by a deceased spouse.  They may not be real.

Be leery of "official-looking" ads or sweepstakes that you receive in the mail.

If your Social Security number is on your driver's license or checks, have it removed.

Avoid having bank debit cards.  Stealing from them is easy.

Avoid calling 900 numbers.  they are not toll-free and there are usually hidden fees.

Repair Work

Follow-up on references.

Get references and referrals.

Have someone you trust look over the agreement.

Only contact well-established, reputable repairmen/companies.

Never allow a repairperson to fix anything without your prior approval.

Financial Investments

Never authorize bank drafts.

Discuss financial decisions with someone you trust.

Never wire money or send cash by messanger or mail.

Never sign a contract without having someone you trust read it first.

Investigate before investing.  Check it out by asking for local references.