Warning Signs of Fraud Posted by McClain County Sheriff's Department

December 18, 2011

Warning Signs of Fraud Posted by McClain County Sheriff's Department

Every day, con artists and scammers attempt to victimize millions of American consumers. When they succeed, these crimes can seriously affect the lives of their victims, their families, and ultimately each and every one of us.

Do you know the Warning Signs of FRAUD?

Here are 8 warning signs of FRAUD.

• Sounds too good to be true.

• Pressures you to act “right away”

• Guarantees success

• Promises unusually high returns.

• Requires an upfront investment – even for a free prize.

• Buyers want to overpay you for an item and have you send them the difference.

• Doesn’t have the look of a real business.

• Something just doesn’t feel right

Play it safe

• Never click on a link inside an e-mail to visit a web site. Type the address into your browser instead.

• It’s easy for a business to look legitimate online. If you have any doubts, verify the company with the Better Business Bureau.

• Only 2% of reported identity theft occurs through the mail.

• Retain your receipts, statements, and packing slips. Review them for accuracy.

• Shred confidential documents instead of simply discarding them in the trash.

Fraud Facts

• Your bank will never e-mail or call you for your account number.

• Do not wire money to people you do not know.

• Be cautious of work at home job offers.

• There are no legitimate jobs that involve reshipping items or financial instruments from your home.

• Check your monthly statement for charges you do not recognize.

If you’ve received a suspected fraud through the U.S. Mail, or if the mail was used I the furtherance of a crime that began on the Internet, telephone, or in person, report it to your local law enforcement agency, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Trade Commission.