Identity Theft

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• Your purse or wallet is stolen.
• Your bank account is overdrawn or there is unusual activity on your credit card.
• Mail you are expecting does not arrive, especially related to financial matters.
• Bills you paid are still showing due.
• You apply for a credit card or loan and are denied.

• Carry a close-fitting or hidden pouch instead of a purse, or carry a wallet in your front pocket.
• Reduce the items you carry in public such as extra credit cards, Social Security card, and checkbooks.
• Consider carrying a photocopy of your Medicare card with all but the last four digits blackened out.
• Shred, tear into small pieces, or cut up all mail and documents that contain Social Security, bank, and credit card numbers.
• Mail bills to be paid from the Post Office. Ask that new boxes of checks be held at your bank or credit union rather than mailed to you.

Telemarketing Fraud

• You live alone and enjoy talking to anyone calling.
• You believe it’s rude to interrupt a caller or to hang up.
• You must pay money up front for taxes or fees to participate.
• You must make an immediate decision before the call ends, or the offer will be rescinded.
• You are called more and more frequently by a multiplying variety of telephone solicitors.

• Never talk to strangers on the telephone. They are not calling to wish you well. They are invading your privacy, as though they have walked into your home.
• Use an answering machine, voice mail or Caller 10 to screen calls.
• Never, under any circumstances, give any portion of your credit card, bank account, or Social Security numbers to a caller.
• Sign up for the National DO NOT CALL Registry for both your home and cell phones at

 1 (888) 382-1222 or donotcall.gov.

Mail and Internet Fraud

• You play sweepstakes daily because you think you need extra money, holding out hope you will win a big prize someday.
• You believe that because your mail is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, it must be legitimate.
• You open and read all of your mail because many pieces look like official government documents or heart-felt solicitations for charity.
• You are getting the same offers through e-mail that you used to receive through the mail. 

• Even though it may be fun or give you something to do, stop participating in sweepstakes, lottery, and contest offers.
• If you were to truly win something, you would NEVER have to pay any fees, taxes, or costs of ANY kind before receiving your winnings – that’s the law!
• Do not give temptation a chance. If you receive a mailing/e-mail that meets any of the following criteria, throw the envelope away or delete the e-mail without opening it:
  • Promotes sweepstakes, lotteries, charities, credit repair, or work-at-home offers;
  • Suggests you can make money by assisting a wealthy African; or
  • Requests verification of account numbers.

Home Improvement Fraud

• A contractor solicits you at your door, insisting you have a problem which must be repaired right away.
• A contractor offers a bargain price or claims to have materials left over from a previous job.
• A contractor requires a substantial payment in advance, or charges significantly more after the work is completed.
• An inspector appears at your door, claiming to work for the city or a utility company and must come into your home to inspect your water heater, furnace, or backyard.

• DO NOT do business with someone who comes to your door offering a bargain, or claims to have materials left over from a previous job.
• BEWARE door-to-door contractors who use high-pressure or scare tactics to get an immediate decision.
• Get at least 3 written bids.
• DO NOT always select the lowest bidder – you get what you pay for!
• Require the contractor to use a written contract that lists materials, costs, and the completion date.
• Don’t allow any stranger into your home, no matter who they claim to be.
• City inspectors do not go door to door!

Mortgage Fraud

• You have fallen behind in your mortgage payments, or you are already in foreclosure.
• You have been getting phone calls and visits from companies offering to help pay your debts.
• Do not sign any forms or papers without reading and understanding what you are signing. If you are uneasy or are feeling pressured, get advice from a lawyer or other advisor.
• You have been receiving numerous fliers in the mail or on your door offering low interest cash loans.
• A friend, advisor or relative asks you to sign some forms – you do, without reading them.
• You trust that the information on mortgage loan document is accurate, and do not read it thoroughly.

• Beware of companies who contact you in person or by fliers offering a foreclosure relief service.
• Do not deed your property to anyone. First consult an attorney, a knowledgeable family member, or someone else you trust completely. Once you sign legal papers, it can be difficult or even impossible to reverse the action.

Investment Fraud

• High pressure sales tactics with an insistence on an immediate decision.Unwillingness to let you discuss the deal with another advisor or get a second opinion.
• A guaranteed investment with “no risk”.
• Unwillingness to provide written information, including state securities registrations and verifiable references.
• A suggestion that you invest on the basis of trust or faith.
• The “free lunch” seminar, offering “free” financial advice with a free meal.
• Pressure to purchase a complex insurance product that you do not understand.

• Surround yourself with several advisors – do not become solely dependent on one financial advisor or consultant.
• Thoroughly check out any offer – do not rush into making a hasty decision.
• Contact the State Securities Administrator at 1 (866) 275-2677 or the State Department of Insurance at 1 (213) 897-8921 with questions.
• Carefully review your financial statements and look for signs of unauthorized or excessive trading.
• Periodically check your account online or by phone with the fund managers.
• If you have trouble retrieving your funds, do not let a false sense of trust keep you from demanding a return on your investment.

Caregiver Fraud

• Unusual activity in bank and credit card accounts.
• Caregiver tries to isolate the victim who comes to rely solely on the caregiver.
• Caregiver has total control over finances and has all financial statements mailed to him or her.
• New acquaintances appear on the scene, and the adult is either completely charmed or is fearful of the caregiver.

• If your caregiver, financial Power of Attorney, relative, neighbor, or anyone else suggests you make a change in your assets, your investments or insurance, always get two or three other opinions from other relatives or advisors. Only a potential crook will not want you to discuss the change with others.
• No matter how much you know, love or trust someone, never sign documents you have not read or do not understand.
• Even if you have a representative payee, Power of Attorney or other advisor who manages your finances, insist on receiving and reviewing copies of all bank and financial statements.