<p>Consumer Scams: Know When You’re will bounce and you’ll be on the hook with your Being Fooled bank to settle the fee. </p><p>Phishing and Identity Theft nfortunately, there will always be scam artists U Scammers often use emails, phone calls or out there. These people are looking to make a other methods of communication to trick people few bucks, sometimes much more, on trusting into revealing their passwords, credit card and unsuspecting consumers. Scams aren’t information or Social Security numbers, in always easy to spot, even for savvy consumers, addition to other personal information that can so remember to do your due diligence and if be used to steal identities, open credit lines or something seems too good to be true, it most other damaging activities. Never respond to an likely is. Below are common consumer scams to email or phone call asking for financial be aware of to help ensure they don’t happen to passwords or other personal information, no you or someone you love. matter how urgent it seems. Instead, contact your bank or the business that made the Merchandise Fraud request to verify it is legitimate. These This is often the top consumer complaint, institutions will never ask for this type of especially with the continuously rising rate of information via email, no matter how credible it internet shopping. Let’s say you’ve found the looks. Also, never click on hyperlinks in perfect product online—one that you’ve been suspicious email messages and keep your looking for a while and the price is substantially computer's antivirus and anti-phishing software less than anywhere else for an identical up to date. product. While very rarely you may find an amazing deal, what happens more often is the The Grandparent Scam product is nonexistent or misrepresented. If The elderly are often targeted by scam artists you’re ordering from a company or website who view them as easy targets. This scheme you’ve never heard of, start by checking the works by a scammer, perhaps someone who Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org). Then identifies himself as a grandson or nephew, search for reviews from people who have saying he needs help because of an accident or purchased the same product from that retailer. arrest in a foreign country so money needs to Lastly, use a credit card for the purchase if at all be wired immediately. The bottom line is don't possible, particularly when buying online or give money to anyone without verifying his or over the phone. If you're victimized and you’ve her identity. If you get a call from a friend or paid with cash or by check, you could be out of relative asking for help, politely hang up and luck. If the order doesn't arrive, you can call the person's home or cell phone number to challenge the purchase under federal credit- find out if the call truly came from this person card rules. Debit-card purchases offer less and if the emergency is real. If you’re unable to protection, although some banks provide reach the person, call another relative or close additional safeguards. friend to confirm the story. </p><p>Fake Checks Phony Charities This common scheme can occur in many forms, Be it an email or phone call urging you to be it a fake check for something you’ve sold or support a charity that tugs at your heartstrings, payment for a “work from home” or “make fast never immediately respond to this type of cash” opportunity. Bogus checks can be used to solicitation. Some charities are outright frauds pay for something you're selling, especially and others do little of what they say they do. through local sites such as Craigslist. It could be Instead, first check with the major charity for a smaller amount if you’re selling a piece of watchdogs—the American Institute of furniture or a larger amount if you’re selling Philanthropy (www.charitywatch.org), the Better something like a car. While these checks may Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance look official and certified, there’s no guarantee (www.give.org) and Charity Navigator that’s the case. It’s always best to ask for (www.charitynavigator.org)—to ensure it is legit. payment in cash or a wire transfer if it’s for a Many con artists use names similar to larger amount of money. If you do accept a legitimate charities so ensure the name is check, contact the institution whose name exact. Also, organizations like the Red Cross will appears on it before finalizing the exchange provide a list of charities that need help during with the buyer. If you deposit a fake check, it disasters. the services of a competent, professional person should be sought.</p><p>This information is provided with the understanding Provided as a public service by the member banks that the association is not engaged in rendering of the Community Bankers Association of specific legal, accounting or other professional Oklahoma. services. If specific expert assistance is required,</p>