NATIONAL
FRAUD AWARENESS WEEK
Be There or Be Square
07/09/04
This Sunday, July 11,
begins a week dedicated to keeping you from being cheated.
It's sponsored by the Association
of Certified Fraud Examiners, and it's wholeheartedly supported by
the FBI, whose job all too often is to investigate after the damage has
been done.
In fact, we'd rather
help you prevent fraud in the first place.
Please
test yourself in the following scenarios:
1. You get a
phone call announcing that you've won a free gift: all you have to do
is pay postage and handling charges....
This is likely telemarketing
fraud...click HERE for
tips to avoid getting snookered.
2. You get an
email from a desperate Nigerian government official who offers a huge
payoff if you help him/her transfer money out of the country.
This is a classic advance
fee scheme...click HERE to
see how you should handle.
3. A medical
equipment company offers you a free walker...and you think your Mom may
need one in the not too distant future.
This is likely health
insurance fraud--your insurance company will be charged and you may never
get the walker. Click HERE for
tips on how to avoid this and other scams.
4. You hear
about a great investment opportunity but are a little skeptical--don't
worry, you're told, I'll give you letter of credit (or bank guarantee)
to secure the investment.
Don't do it: legitimate
letters of credit are NEVER sold or offered as investments. Click HERE for
more information.
5. You've just
had an unexpected death in the family and must make a quick decision
on funeral and cemetery arrangements.
Be on guard--funeral
and cemetery frauds are, unfortunately, rampant. Click HERE for
tips on how to avoid them.
For more
information on the universe of fraud
schemes and scam, please visit our Common
Fraud Schemes. And remember: Caveat Emptor, Let the Buyer Beware.
