Be an educated consumer and
become your own best advocate!
Check out consumer product reviews before you buy. Visit www.reviews.com. They have truth-seeking story-tellers to help you get the best bang for your buck.
HOW TO AVOID SCAMS & PREVENT FRAUD
Help prevent fraud and avoid getting scammed.
Here are a few sites to check out to help yourself get educated about scams, fraud and nefarious business practices:
US DOJ: Identity Theft and Identity Fraud
Guide to Preventing Home Improvement Fraud
Consumer Reports’ 9 Steps to Protect Against Credit Card Fraud
TIPS from Senator Bob Casey for
Avoiding Phone Scams
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Con artists force you to make decisions fast and may threaten you.
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Con artists disguise their real numbers, using fake caller I. D.
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Con artists sometimes pretend to be the government (e.g. IRS).
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Con artists pressure you not to call friends and family.
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Con artists try to get you to provide them personal information like your Social Security number, or account numbers.
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Before giving out your credit card number or money, ask a friend or family member about it!
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Ask them to send the offer it in the mail....if it is a scam they will try to persuade you to do it now, it is only good for a short time....type of statement. DON'T BELIEVE IT!
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If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and please call the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging's Fraud Hotline at 1-855-303-9470