New September 1995

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Contents

• Learn to spot fraud, and avoid it!

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Editor's note
Printed copy is in English and Spanish.

Learning for Better Living: Beware of Fraud!

Brenda J. Procter
Department of Consumer and Family Economics

Every year, consumers around the country lose millions of dollars to fraud. Con artists use all kinds of tricks to get their trust and money! Elderly people are their favorite targets. But anybody can be a victim of fraud.

Learn to spot fraud, and avoid it!

Beware of people who call you by phone or knock at your door with great offers.

• Check out the offers you get in the mail, especially those that say that you have won a prize. They'll probably make you pay for something. Some scams make you call a 900 phone number. The cost of the call may result in a large phone bill.

Beware when someone offers you "a great bargain" or a chance to make lots of money. If you believe you'll get something for nothing, chances are you'll get nothing!

• Don't trust someone who asks for cash-only payments.
• Never give your credit card or bank account numbers to strangers.
• Check out those who pressure you to pay for work that must be done in your house. Don't let them scare you.
• Don't trust "special offers" that require you to buy or pay NOW. Watch out, con artists don't want you to think it over.
• Never sign a contract under pressure, check it and discuss it with someone you trust.

Beware of salespeople who ask you to keep secret "the great bargain you just got." They want you to keep quiet so they'll have time to run or to swindle more people.

If that 'great bargain' is really good, it can wait until you think it over.

MP716, new September 1995