First, do not post personal information or daily habits on the internet. In addition, do not post personal information or daily habits of family members on the internet. Those who perpetrate scams—such as the recent scam involving phone calls from a “grandson” needing bail money in Canada—access internet social sites in order to learn the names and relationships of various family members.
Second, if driveway sealers, tree trimmers, representatives of the water company, or any other contractor shows up at your house unannounced, call the police if you have any concerns regarding their legitimacy.
1) These scammers often work in teams. One of them will distract you while an accomplice sneaks into your home and steals from you. This is why such scammers often communicate via radio.
2) If you see any suspicious vehicles on your property or your neighbor’s property, feel free to jot down the license plate. There is nothing improper about this and if the vehicle turns out to be legitimate, nothing has been lost.
3) If you are a senior citizen, you will be targeted; especially if you live alone. Many bright, successful people have fallen victim to scams because they were too trusting. Remember, successful scammers are pleasant, friendly, and charismatic. They prey on peoples’ trust.
4) Never hesitate to call your local police department if a stranger comes onto your property. People who try to scam others rely on you not checking them out. So wait, think, and call someone if you feel something is not right.
Third, if someone calls and tells you that you have won the sweepstakes, please keep the following in mind
1) You can only win the sweepstakes if you have entered the sweepstakes.
2) Be suspicious of numerous locations represented on any check, letter, and/or envelope.
3) Legitimate sweepstakes will never ask you to pay fees to participate or to receive a prize. You should never have to pay handling charges, service fees, or any other kind of charges up front to win - those are sure signs of sweepstakes scams. Sweepstakes taxes are paid directly to the IRS along with your regular tax return.
4) Sweepstakes scammers will often send you counterfeit checks in large amounts to fool you into thinking that the sweepstakes is legitimate.
5) Do not let the prospect of a great deal cloud your judgment. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never send money to someone whom you have not met.
