Protect yourself from fraud and scams

Scammers prey on people who let their guard down. They often obtain information about their victims by:

  • Sifting through trash for discarded receipts or papers with personal information
  • Looking over your shoulder to capture your PIN or password
  • Stealing your credit card number using a credit card “skimmer”
  • Using malware or tracking software on your computer
  • Contacting you with a scheme, such as:
  • Pretending to be a representative from a bank, the IRS or law enforcement
  • Requesting donations or making emergency pleas for money to support fake or misrepresented causes
  • Asking for an upfront fee for a product or service that doesn’t exist or that is far inferior than advertised

Fortunately, there are some fundamental guidelines to help you avoid most common frauds:

Credit Card Fraud

Do:

  • Sign the back of your card.
  • Keep cards in a safe place.
  • Check your monthly statement and reconcile to receipts.
  • Check your credit reports annually for unauthorized activity and incorrect information at AnnualCreditReport.com. Links to an external site.
  • Notify card companies immediately of questionable charges.
  • Use credit instead of debit to get the most protection.

Don't:

  • Loan your card to others.
  • Leave your card(s) in your car or other unsecure place.
  • Give your account number or other personal details over the phone, unless you initiated the call.
  • Leave behind blank or incomplete credit card slips that could be filled in by a thief.

Identity Theft

Do:

  • Keep your Social Security card and personal identification numbers (PINs) in a safe place, not on your person.
  • Shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
  • Shred documents with personal information.
  • Review financial statements.
  • Use a secure (locked) mailbox.
  • Opt out of preapproved credit offers.
  • Check your credit report.
  • Use a different PIN for different accounts.
  • Do not reply to solicitation calls.
  • Collect mail promptly.

Don't:

  • Give personal or financial information over phone.
  • Answer phishing emails asking you to update or verify information.
  • Always trust your caller ID.

Online Hackers

Do:

  • Install firewalls and anti-virus spyware.
  • Set browser and operating system to update automatically.
  • Dig deep into online companies and shopping sites before purchasing.
  • Use only secure sites (https://).
  • Use complex, unique passwords.
  • Back up files on a hard drive or in the cloud.
  • Set up a separate email for online shopping.

Don't:

  • Click on pop-up ads claiming you have a computer virus.
  • Click on strange links or attachments in emails, even from people you know.
  • Use the same password for several online sites.
  • Buy online when using public Wi-Fi (use only encrypted networks).
  • Fall for suspicious “send money” schemes on social media.
  • Expose too much personal information on social media.

Knowledge is power. Sign up for scam alerts at the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information Links to an external site. site.

 

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