Scams

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

If you are offered an opportunity, especially one that seems too good to be true:

  • Be aware that once you start going along with a con artist, it’s very difficult to keep from being scammed
  • Beware of con artists (confidence games) (e.g., driveway repair, reps from utility company, water pressure problems, requests for change for a large denomination bill, requests to borrow an article, well dressed, fix roof for next to nothing using leftover materials from another job, patch leaky boiler?)
  • Be aware that most con artists:
    • Work in teams (usually in pairs)
    • Often use any excuse to get into your home
    • Try to intimidate you
    • Are able to gain your confidence
    • Try to fast talk you into agreeing
    • Talk you into a corner
    • Try to keep you from thinking
    • Can be very charming and very convincing
    • Seem like nice guys
    • Are talkative
    • Exploit loneliness, disabilities, charities, infirmities, your willingness to help, and/or your desire to get something for nothing
    • Know how to exploit your weaknesses
    • Can make even the craziest proposition sound plausible
    • Live off their wit and their looks
    • Are usually well-dressed
    • Are everywhere
    • Prey on elderly
  • Be very wary of anyone who:
    • Claims to be a bank examiner
    • Claims to have won a lottery
    • Asks you to withdraw money from your bank account
  • Be very wary whenever something unusual happens, e.g., something which distracts you

If you believe you are the target of a scam:

  • Contact the police they may be able to confirm that you’re being targeted by a scam and you may be helping to prevent others from losing money to criminals

EXPLORE: Money

Thanks for reading!