To Be Or Not To Be...Scammed!

I just received two emails that were too good to be true. They said there was money that was just waiting for me. But in order to access it, I needed to open an account at my bank and provide an overseas organization with a money wire. In return, they would deposit a large amount of money into my account.

Unfortunately, these scam emails are all too common. People have lost thousands of dollars trying to access this “magical money.” So, what can we do to protect ourselves from these scams?

 

• Use common sense: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is! • Check that number: Call 4-1-1 to see if the provided phone number really belongs to that company. • Ask for references: If you're looking into a company or considering a donation to an organization, ask for references and literature first. • Find out where the company is incorporated: You can then call that state's Secretary of State to see if the business is legitimate. • Check on complaints: Contact the Attorney General's office to see if there have been complaints about the company. Or contact the National Consumer League's Fraud Center at www.fraud.org or 800-876-7060. • Just say no: Any time a company wants you to decide NOW and doesn't let you think an offer over, it's a red flag. • Print it out: Keep a hard copy of any online offer, including the email address, web address and any other information provided. • Don't respond to bulk emails: CAPITAL LETTERS, $$$$ and other such punctuation should make you skeptical. • Wonder if you're a winner: Any time they say that you've won a prize, evaluate it-especially if it costs you money to collect. • Avoid pyramid schemes: These scams tell you to send money to ten people who will send money to ten more. They are often illegal!

Unfortunately, as the economy continues to suffer, more and more scams will be offered to people hoping for a quick fix to their financial worries. Hopefully these tips will help keep your money where it belongs: in your pocket!