How to avoid money scams

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By shellsellswell
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (3 Ratings)

As the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

I am always online trying to find ways to boost my income and the single most common advertisement always includes a really high paying job, requiring no college degree or experience and free training. These ads usually have an 800 number for you to call within a certain time frame before the positions get filled. When you call the 800 number, you may get a real person who takes all your information then later you find out you must pay to receive the list of job openings. Another thing that happens after you call the 800 number is, you get transferred to another number and end up paying per minute for that call.

Based on my experiences, the single best way to find employment is by applying through several employment agencies - but it doesn't stop there. You must call these agencies everyday, more than once a day if you must, to find out if they have any assignments available for you. These agencies have several temporary workers, so do not think it is sufficient for you to fill out your application and wait for them to call you. If you keep in touch with them, this lets them know that you are proactive and interested in working. Also, be sure to display your best mannerism as they think about that prior to sending you to work for their clients. I am a living testament that this technique works. My current job bought me from a temp agency well over eight years ago.
Step 2

Beware of those credit repair offers that promise to remove negative information from your credit report. You do not have to be a rocket scientist to repair your own credit. All you need to is first request a copy of your report from the three major reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian and Transunion. After you have your report, circle all the information that is incorrect and write a letter to each credit bureau asking them to update incorrect information. If you have delinquent, collection or bankruptcy listed, those will stay on your report for seven plus years. If you are not familiar with items on your report, you must file as dispute. You write a letter informing the credit bureaus of accounts on your report of which you have no knowledge and ask for a full investigation. Pay off any amounts you owe, even if you can only afford a small $10 payment per month. As time passes and your balances get lower, your credit will get better and your scores will increase.
Step 3

This scam recently ended up in my mailbox. I received an e-mail forwarded to me from a friend stating that the richest man in the world wanted to give some of his money away to less fortunate people. All I had to do was send him my account number so he could wire the money to my bank. This was too easy. I replied to my friend and asked her to tell him that I am all for the money, but it would be more convenient to send it certified mail to my post office box number instead in the form of cash. Don't get caught out there.