Protect Yourself From Con-Artists

 · Don't believe in something-for-nothing offers. You get what you pay for.
 

 · Be suspicious of high-pressure sales efforts.
 

 · Take your time; think about it before you part with your money.
 

 · Get all agreements in writing. Insist that agreements be in plain English and not legalese.
 

 · Read all contracts and agreements before signing. Have a lawyer examine all major contracts.

 · Beware of anyone who comes to your door asking for money for charity or for personal reasons.
 

Home repairs and improvements can be costly. Watch out if:

 · Somebody offers to do an expensive job for an unusually low price
 

 · If a firm offers to make a "free" inspection or if the person just happened to be in the neighborhood.
 

 · The most popular home improvement frauds are roof repair and painting, driveway sealing, and termite inspection.

 · Always get several estimates for every repair job, and compare prices and terms. Check to see if there is a charge for estimates.
 

 · Ask your friends for recommendations. Alternatively, ask the firm for references - and CHECK THEM!
 

 · Check the identification of all "inspectors."

 · Call the loan Consumer Affairs office or the Better Business Bureau to check the company's reputation before you authorize any work.
 

 · Be suspicious of high-pressure sales tactics.

 · Pay by check - never with cash. Arrange to make the payments in installments.

A person approaches you and says that he just found a large amount of money. What should he do with it? Maybe his "boss" can suggest something. He then leaves to check with his "boss" and comes back a few minutes later.

His boss said to divide the money, but first, each of you must put up some, "good faith money". Once you hand over your share, you'll never see it or the con artist again.

Another twist on this is the person who claims to have a winning lottery ticket worth thousands or even millions of dollars. They show you the ticket with the winning numbers and what do you know, they actually do match the winning numbers in the newspaper.

The only problem is they can’t cash in the ticket themselves for whatever reason (illegal resident status, too many parking tickets, unpaid alimony, etc. or any number of other reason) and if you’ll cash in the ticket for them, they’ll split the winnings with you.

All they need is some good faith collateral from you so they can trust you not to keep all the winnings for yourself. So you give them some money, jewelry or other valuables to hold on to, and when you go to cash in the ticket, wouldn’t you know it… it’s a fake winning ticket. By the time you figure this out, the con artist is long gone with your money.

 

A con artist will contact you and tell you he is a bank official or police officer and that he needs your help to catch a dishonest bank teller. All you have to do is withdraw your savings and give the money to him so he can check the serial numbers. IF you do, you've been "stung". A real bank official would NEVER ask you to withdraw your money.

Is it hard to believe that people fall for such tricks? Con artists may be the greatest actors you'll ever meet. The pigeon drop and the bank examiner schemes are two of the most successful con games around. Don't be fooled. CALL THEIR BLUFF BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.