Protect yourself from scams: Consumer Web site of the Week
"Knowing is half the battle" was a lesson instilled in me after every episode of G.I.Joe that I watched as a small child.
Now that I'm somewhat older, I can see how knowledge can innoculate us against a variety of ills, including the fraud perpetrated by the nefarious types who send out fake checks for sweepstakes prizes, work-at-home schemes or Craigslist purchases.
That's the message imparted by this terribly sad Wall Street Journal story about a man who repeatedly fell prey to con artists ...
... despite his education and professional past (via Consumerist). And the worst part is that the names of folks who fall for these games often get sold to other crooks as easy marks that will be a sure thing for future scams.
Don't think it couldn't happen to you. So how do you protect yourself and those you love? Education.
We told you about fakechecks.org, which is run by the National Consumers League. Learn about different types of scams at AARP's Fraudfighters site, designed to educate seniors who are often targeted by swindlers out to take advantage of those who might be lonely or on a fixed income (although expenses often continue to go up).
Then fight back by reporting attempts to bilk you. You can file complaints at the Federal Trade Commission's fraud site. You can also forward suspected mail fraud to the Postal Inspector General. And, you can volunteer at the AARP's Fraud Prevention Call Center in Baltimore to inform others about the risks. Call 1-202-434-2197 for more info.
Categories: Consumer Web Site of the Week, Scams
