How to protect against scams

More and more each day people fall victim to scammers, with new scams being thrown at us daily and each one seemingly more legitimate than the last.

What are we to do? Never answer our phones? Be leary of every letter we receive in the mail? In a way yes, but being informed is the best way to defend against these scammers.

With National Fraud Awareness week approaching us we should all take a moment to learn a few things about current scams and learn what to do about them.

Three ways to protect yourself are;

*Recognize

*React

*Report

Recognize

Know what to watch for. Fraud scams come in a lot of different forms; email, phone, mail, even texting now. Be suspicious of any caller asking for money. Especially if they want you to pay with Green Dot, Google Play, Western Union, or Gift Cards.  The Caller is stating they are from the IRS, or that there is a warrant out for your arrest. Other imposter scams state they are a relative in trouble. If you feel pressured to act now. The caller stating you have won a prize that you never put in for, but then wants money for shipping or other expenses.

Remember if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

React

Protect yourself by being proactive. Set up account alerts or credit monitoring. Learn about common scams and ploys.  Do not give out personal information. Do not click on that suspicious link or attachment. Confirm directly with a company if they state you have a delinquent balance.

Report

Report suspicious activity to law enforcement. Call your bank or Credit Card Company. Report scam calls to the (FTC) Federal Trade Commission.

Knowledge is power.

The more we can educate ourselves on scams the better chance we have of not falling victim to scammers.

Tell your family members, children, friends, and co-workers. Empower yourself against scams. Don’t let them con you.

For more information on current scams visit http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts