How to avoid being the victim of a scam

There are many scams that criminals will use to separate you from your hard-earned money. You have the pigeon drop, romance, arrest warrant, law suit, IRS, and warranty scam, just to name a few. Here are a few tips to avoid being a victim.

-If it sounds to good to be true, it is!
This should go without saying but sometimes it needs to be said.
If you did not play the Nigerian Lotto you can’t win the Nigerian Lotto. That prince that wants to give you some of his fortune is the prince of thieves. Also, you have to apply for Federal grants, the government will not call you to see if you just want some money.

-Do not answer unfamiliar phone numbers or emails.
If you receive a call and do not recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. Do a search of the number in a search engine to see if it is associated with a scam.
For emails never click on attachments from an email that you were not expecting. Malware could be embedded in the attachment which would allow the criminals access to your information.

-Do not give out your financial or personal information.
Never give out this information to anyone that calls you unsolicited. For example, you get a call from “Planet Express” that they have a package for you. They need your name, date of birth and credit card to verify it is yours. You tell yourself “Self, I was not expecting a package from Planet Express” but instead giving them your information, you tell them you will call them back. Do not use the number they give you but rather look up the number yourself so that you know it is the legitimate company. Scammers will just give you their number and you end up talking to them again.

-Using gift / iTunes card to pay a debt.
If a business or anyone asks you to purchase gift cards or iTunes cards, then call them with the numbers be wary. Gift cards are used to purchase goods but should never be used to pay a debt. The IRS does not take iTunes card as payment for outstanding debt.

If you find that you are a victim of a crime be sure to contact us at 911, or the non-emergency number 361-886-2600 to file a report.