NATIONAL FRAUD AWARENESS WEEK
Be There or Be Square

07/09/04

This Sunday, July 11, begins a week dedicated to keeping you from being cheated.

It's sponsored by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and it's wholeheartedly supported by the FBI, whose job all too often is to investigate after the damage has been done.

In fact, we'd rather help you prevent fraud in the first place.

Please test yourself in the following scenarios:

1. You get a phone call announcing that you've won a free gift: all you have to do is pay postage and handling charges....

This is likely telemarketing fraud...click HERE for tips to avoid getting snookered.

2. You get an email from a desperate Nigerian government official who offers a huge payoff if you help him/her transfer money out of the country.

This is a classic advance fee scheme...click HERE to see how you should handle.

3. A medical equipment company offers you a free walker...and you think your Mom may need one in the not too distant future.

This is likely health insurance fraud--your insurance company will be charged and you may never get the walker. Click HERE for tips on how to avoid this and other scams.

4. You hear about a great investment opportunity but are a little skeptical--don't worry, you're told, I'll give you letter of credit (or bank guarantee) to secure the investment.

Don't do it: legitimate letters of credit are NEVER sold or offered as investments. Click HERE for more information.

5. You've just had an unexpected death in the family and must make a quick decision on funeral and cemetery arrangements.

Be on guard--funeral and cemetery frauds are, unfortunately, rampant. Click HERE for tips on how to avoid them.

For more information on the universe of fraud schemes and scam, please visit our Common Fraud Schemes. And remember: Caveat Emptor, Let the Buyer Beware.