BANK EXAMINER FRAUD    

TELEMARKETING FRAUD    

  CHARITY FRAUD          

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM

If you are a victim of one of these scams or think that there was an attempt at one of these scams:

• Contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.  The sooner that the description of the suspects, the better chance they will have of being caught.

• Attempt to obtain the description of any vehicle that may have been a part of the scam.

• Notify the Better Business Bureau if you have been a victim.

• Relay to the investigators all elements of the incident, no matter how trivial they may seem.

• Stop payment on a check immediately if you are a victim.  Also make a list of all pertinent information relative to the incident.

• Be aware that most surveys or questionnaires are attempts to sell something.

• Be alert to persons offering investments or land deals.

• Be alert to the fact that some people are swindlers.

• Don't expect something for nothing.

• Don't withdraw cash from the bank or savings institutions at the suggestion of strangers.

• Don't send cash through the  mail.

• Don't discuss personal finances with strangers.

• Don't sign any contract until you have read and thoroughly understand the contract. 

• Don't pay for unordered merchandise.

• Don't allow anyone to inspect your property for free.

• Don't accept an oral guarantee.

• Don't allow anyone inside your residence, unless you know or have identified the person.

• If you are annoyed by telephone solicitors, use an answering machine.  Most telemarketing organizations use a computer to dial your number, when it gets an answering machine, it breaks the connection.

Tips For Homeowners On Reliable Contractors & Remodelers

• Are they a member in good standing with Home Builders Association or Remodelers Association?

• Ask for references of local jobs completed.

• How many years has the company been in business?

• Do not give the contractor bank information.

• Small down payments may be required, but the rest of the payouts should be progressive work payments.

• Where does the contractor bank?

• Call local building officials to see if the contractor is registered and bonded.

• Ask to see copies of current certifications of insurance.

• Get a written contract on work to be done.

• If in doubt on the contractor, call the local builders association or lumber yard on their reliability.