How to Guard Yourself Against Con Artists

Con artists and their schemes can appear on your doorstep, in the mail, over the phone or through your computer. The following precautionary guidelines follow the recommendations of the FBI, the National Crime Prevention Council and the Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phone Recording Devices

1. Beware of free vacations, sweepstakes prizes, quick cures and get-rich-quick schemes.

2. Avoid revealing your credit card number, social security number, phone card number or bank account numbers over the phone. Some con artists pose as law enforcement officers to request such information.

3. Avoid 900 numbers, which charge you for the call.

4. Ask for financial reports if a caller requests a donation for charity.

5. If you receive items in the mail that you did not order, you are not obligated to pay.

6. Request written information by mail, research the proposition carefully and get second opinions before agreeing to anything.

7. Read contracts before signing anything.

Tips & Warnings

• Be suspicious of high-pressure sales and cash-only demands.
• If you find yourself a victim of mail fraud, keep all letters and envelopes involved and contact the U.S. Postal Service or district or state attorney's office.
• If you've been cheated, contact the police, a consumer advocacy group or your city or state consumer protection office.
• Many con artists target older people.
• When in doubt, refuse to provide any information or to continue talking with the individual or individuals on the phone or at your door.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.

[melaniehd1981]

on 10/16/2008 I have been trying to find a business that works.Finally I found it!!Try this home based business.It is great and free startup!Just Copy and paste my link!
http://website.ws/melaniehd1981

on 8/8/2006 If you live alone, do not make that fact known publicly! Con artists will see you as the perfect target!

on 11/22/2005 If someone comes to your door that you do not know, do not open the door. If absolutely necessary, talk through the door.

on 11/22/2005 If someone comes to your door, DO NOT let this person into your house or out of your sight.