Common Consumer Crimes
Insurance fraud, medical fraud, sweepstakes scams, and home repair scams are common consumer crimes.
How to protect yourself
- Ask you health care provider about special deals.
- Have regular checks sent directly to the bank
- Carefully read all offers for low rate insurance.
- Don’t pay anything or give you credit card number to claim a “Free Prize.”
- Watch out for work – at- home jobs with registration fees.
- Watch out for free inspections for home repairs.
- Deal only with business you know and trust.
- Check out offers with the Better Business Bureau.
- Get advice from people you trust.
Common sales gimmicks
- Debt Consolidation: Watch for sky-high interest rates with these plans
- The Bait and Switch: Store lure you in for a “bargain” then try to sell you a more expensive item.
- Harmless Contracts: Fine print clauses can cost you plenty! Read contracts carefully and don’t listen to verbal promises.
- Pressure Tactics: Beware of sales people who rush your decision.
- Fear–Sell Tactics: Beware of sales claims that play on your fears of misfortune.
Don’t sign anything you don’t understand, if needed see a lawyer.
If you are not getting straight answers, end the conversation.
Common Scams
Bank scams
A person claiming to be a bank official or a police detective ask your help to catch a crooked teller, by removing money from your account and giving it to them.
(This is never bank or police procedures)
Phony bills
A surviving spouse is sent a bill for phony debts or purchases.
(Check out unfamiliar bills before you pay them)
Found money
A stranger strikes up a conversation and is joined by a friend who has just “Found” an envelop full of money. They offer to share it with you, If you put up some good faith money.
(You will never get something for nothing) They will switch envelops and take off with your money.
How to foil con artists
Be aware, trust your instincts, and use common sense!
Ask to see proper identification—get their names.
Always check out “officials” by calling their offices.
Stop and think before you give anybody “CASH.”
Call the police if you are suspicious.