Avoid Fraud

Avoid Fraud


10 things you can do to stop a scam

1. Keep in mind that wiring money is like sending cash: once it's gone, you can't get it back.
Con artists often insist that people wire money, especially overseas, because it's nearly
impossible to reverse the transaction or trace the money. Don't wire money to
strangers, to sellers who insist on wire transfers for payment, or to someone who claims
to be a relative in an emergency (and wants to keep the request a secret).
 
2. Don't send money to someone you don't know. That includes an online merchant you've
never heard of‐or an online love interest who asks for money or favors. It's best to do
business with sites you know and trust. If you buy items through an online auction,
consider a payment option that provides protection, like a credit card. Don't send cash
or use a wire transfer service.
 
3. Don't respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial information, whether
the message comes as an email, a phone call, a text message, or an ad. Don't click on
links in the message, or call phone numbers that are left on your answering machine,
either. The crooks behind these messages are trying to trick you into giving up your
personal information. If you get a message and are concerned about your account
status, call the number on your credit or debit card –or your statement‐ and check it
out.
 
4. Don't play a foreign lottery. First, it's easy to be tempted by messages that boast
enticing odds in a foreign lottery, or messages that claim you've already won.
Inevitably, you'll be asked to pay "taxes," "fees," or "customs duties" to collect your
prize. If you send money, you won't get it back, regardless of the promises. Second, it's
illegal to play foreign lotteries.
 
5. Don't agree to deposit a check from someone you don't know and then wire money
back, no matter how convincing the story. By law, banks must make funds from
deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks.
You are responsible for the checks you deposit: When a check turns out to be a fake, it's
you who is responsible for paying back the bank.
 
6. Read your bills and monthly statements regularly ‐on paper and online. Scammers steal
account information and then run up charges or commit crimes in your name.
Dishonest merchants sometimes bill you for monthly "membership fees" and other
goods or services you didn't authorize. If you see charges you don't recognize or didn't
okay, contact your bank, card issuer, or other creditor immediately.
 
7. In the wake of a natural disaster or another crisis, give to established charities rather
than one that seems to have sprung up overnight. Pop‐up charities probably don't have
the infrastructure to get help to the affected areas or people, and they could be
collecting the money to finance illegal activity. Check out ftc.gov/charityfraud to learn
more.
 
8. Talk to your doctor before buying health products or signing up for medical treatments.
Ask about research that supports a product's claims ‐ and possible risks or side effects.
Buy prescription drugs only from licensed U.S. pharmacies. Otherwise, you could end up
with products that are fake, expired or mislabeled ‐in short, products that could be
dangerous. Visit ftc.gov/health for more information.
 
9. Remember there's no such thing as a sure thing. If someone contacts you promoting
low‐risk, high‐return investment opportunities, stay away. When you hear pitches that
insist you act now, guarantees of big profits, promises of little or no financial risk, or
demands that you send cash immediately, report them to the FTC.
 
10. Know where an offer comes from and who you're dealing with. Try to find a seller's
physical address (not just a P.O. Box) and phone number. With VoiP and other web‐
based technologies, it's tough to tell where someone is calling from. Do an internet
search for the company name and website and look for negative reviews. Check them
out with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org.
 
*One bonus tip: Visit OnGuardOnline.gov to learn how to avoid internet fraud, secure your
computer and protect your personal information.

File a Complaint
Law enforcement agencies around the world work together to stop scammers and provide
consumers with the information they need to avoid fraud.

If you believe you have been scammed, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
at ftc.gov, or call 1‐877‐FTC‐HELP
(1‐877‐382‐4357); TTY: 1‐866‐653‐4621.