How to Scam Thee? Count the Ways
The number of financial scams increases when money is short and times get tough. Don't fall victim to scams designed to take your cash…or your identity. Here are a few popular scams to watch out for:
Law-enforcement scams: In this one a supposed member of law-enforcement calls and says that your identity has just been stolen, but they’ve nabbed the bad guys in the nick of time. You, however, are asked to provide personal identifying information to compare to what the bad guys had. What they really want is your Social Security number.
Credit repair: Not only are you asked to make a hefty prepayment for services, but you give them your Social Security number and all your personal information.
Home remodeling: With warm weather here, these scams are sure to be on the increase. If someone comes to your house and wants to repave your driveway, fix your roof, trim your trees, etc. Never hire anyone who just shows up at your door.
Utility cutoff: You get a phone call from the local power company, or so you think. The caller says your power is about to be cut off for nonpayment of your bill…unless you pay right away by giving out your bank information.
IRS rebate checks: If you don't have your check yet and are expecting one, don't fall for the scams that promise to get it for you faster. What they want is your personal information.
Loan fees: Beware of lenders that require you to pay in advance for loans for mortgage refinance, debt consolidation, or business. You may be told that the loan is “guaranteed” after you pay your advance fees, often in the form of a wire transfer to an overseas account.
Work at home: These scams have gone on for decades, and the scammers are the only ones making money. You'll be asked to pay in advance for your supplies, and you won't hear from them again.
Lottery: You're told you've won something and need to send a “processing fee” before the funds can be distributed. You never receive anything.
Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov on the Internet—a service of the federal government—for warnings on these and other scams. Scroll down to click on Scams/Fraud
David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.
(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
