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The con artist’s philosophy is “the gullible were put on this earth to be gulled.” In the past, con artists were usually referred to as con men. This is no longer the case as more and more women have become involved in con games and numerous variations of con games. Before we proceed with some tips on “how not to get conned” you should always remember that a con artist can be a male or a female. In addition, many times the con artist will work with a child who will assist them in accomplishing their goal. That goal is to GET YOUR MONEY.
Here are some good rules to follow all the time – whether or not you suspect a fraud:
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 legal jargon.
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 Improvement Fraud
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.
To avoid home improvement and repair fraud, try the following:
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.
Keep a Super Sized 1lb Wildfire pepper spray canister in a strategic place in your home as protection against overly aggressive solicitors or home invasion.
Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
Dress casually and comfortably.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
Keep cash in your front pocket
Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas.
Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
Always be aware of your surroundings and women should always carry pepper spray as personal protection against an attack or attack.
Charity fraud does a lot of harm. The con artist takes advantage of people’s good will and takes their cash – money that was meant for people in need. You can make sure that any money you give gets into the right hands. Just remember these tips when somebody asks you for a donation.
Ask for identification – the organization AND the solicitor. Find out what the purpose of the charity is and how funds are used.
Ask if contributions are tax deductible.
If your’re not satisfied with the answers – don’t give.
Give to charities that you know.
Check out the ones you’ve never heard of before, or others whose names are similar to a well-known charity.
Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics. If solicitors won’t take no for an answer, tell them NO anyway – BUT DON’T GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY.
Be suspicious of charities that only accept cash.
Always send a check made out to the charity and not the individual requesting the donation.
The Pigeon Drop
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.
The Bank Examiner
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.
ATM cash machines have been incorporated in our way of life. They offer a real convenience to those on the run but at the same time offer an element of risk. Using an ATM machine safely requires awareness and a little planning. Just because an ATM machine is open and available 24-hours a day doesn’t mean it is safe to use it. Most ATM robberies occur at night between 8:00 PM and midnight. ATM robbers are usually males under 25 years of age and most work alone. ATM robbers usually position themselves nearby waiting for a victim to approach and withdraw cash. Most ATM robbery victims are woman and were alone when robbed. Most claim that they never saw the robber coming. Most ATM robbers used a gun or claimed to have a concealed weapon when confronting the victim and demanding their cash.
If you or your family members use ATM cash machines on a regular basis, here are some tips that can make the process a little safer:
• Use only ATM machines in well-lighted, high-traffic areas. Don’t use ATM machines that are remote or hidden such as being located behind buildings, behind pillars, walls, or away from public view. Beware of obvious hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown trees. ATM robbers like to have the element of surprise and no witnesses. Robbers like good escape routes like nearby freeway on-ramps or high speed thoroughfares.
• Choose an ATM that looks and ‘feels’ safer, even if it is a couple of miles out of the way. Try and limit your use to daylight hours. Take someone with you after hours, if you can. When you drive up to an ATM location, scan the area for any suspicious persons. If you see anyone suspicious standing nearby or sitting in a car, drive away. When you approach an ATM on foot be prepared and have your access card ready. Memorize your personal PIN number to prevent loss and speed the transaction. After inserting your card and your PIN number keep an eye out behind you. Never accept an offer to help or request for help from a suspicious make ahead of you at the machine. If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous approaches terminate your transaction machine. First, tell the suspicious male in a loud, firm voice to “back-off” and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the person and give you time to flee, if appropriate. When you receive cash from the machine put it away immediately, extract your card, and walk away.
• If you use your car at a drive-thru ATM machine the same rules apply. Keep the car in gear, with your foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine. Keep a close eye on your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction. Robbers almost always approach from the rear on the drivers side. If you see anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If you are confronted by an armed robber, just give up your money without argument. The cash is not worth serious injury or death. Get to a safe place and call the police immediately.
• If lights around the ATM are not working, don’t use that machine
• Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places
• Beware of offers for help from strangers during an ATM transaction
• Don’t fight with or attempt to follow the robber
• Drive or walk to a safe place and immediately call the police
