Register your home and cell phone numbers in the Do Not Call list – www.donotcall.gov or call 888-381-1222 from each phone you wish to register.
Recent scam: You receive a phone call or email from a person pretending to be your grandchild or a friend. This person states they are traveling in a foreign country and have been robbed or injured. They ask you to wire money to help them get home. Do not send money. Check with someone you know who will be able to confirm the wellbeing of this person.
Another recent scam: You receive a false juror affidavit in the mail, asking for personal information, including your social security number. Courts do not ask for this type of information. The return envelope will go to the scammer, not to the court.
When an offer by phone or internet seems too good to be true, it probably is. Say no to any offer that is only available right now. If you are offered a prize and are asked to pay a processing fee or taxes in advance, it is likely a scam.
If you’re solicited by an unfamiliar charity, do not make a donation until you check it out. Never give out your credit card number or any personal information over the phone or internet.
Be wary of requests to support police or firefighters. Some fraudulent fundraisers claim that donations will benefit police or firefighters, when in fact little or no money goes to them. Call the local department first.
Watch out for “phishy” emails. They may pretend to be a legitimate bank, organization, or government agency. They may ask you to “confirm” your personal information because your account is about to be closed, an order has been lost, or your identity has been stolen. Do not respond – delete the email. If in doubt, call your bank directly.
Avoid acquiring a computer virus. Do not open emails if you don’t know the sender. Do not open emails that have been forwarded several times, even when they are sent through friends. Never click on links displayed in an email.
