Fraud by telephone, Internet and mail is a serious international problem. Con artists can steal your money, your identity and even your self-respect. Protect yourself by looking for these warning signs:

• Someone asks you to send money to claim a lottery or prize or to obtain a credit or loan.
• Someone you don't know requests that you send money via wire transfer, the most common way fraud criminals obtain money from victims. There is NO legitimate reason for someone who claims to be giving you money to ask you to wire money back.
• An unknown caller claiming to be a lawyer or in law enforcement offers to help you get your money back (for a fee).
• The deal is only good for today or a short period of time.
• The seller offers "free gifts" in return for a minimum effort or a fee.
• A "repair person" suddenly finds a dangerous defect in your car or home.
• You are given little or no time to read a contract.
• A sale item is suddenly unavailable but a "much better item" is available for slightly more money.
• Someone is trying to scare you into purchasing credit protection plans.
• The solicitation looks like a government document and suggests you can claim contest winnings or unclaimed assets for a small fee. The government doesn't solicit money from citizens.
• You are asked for your bank account or credit card number.

General Tips for Avoiding Fraud

1. Don't' give out personal information. This includes your Social Security number, credit card and bank account details, date of birth, etc.
2. Have a plan. Having a plan for terminating a potentially fraudulent interaction is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Develop a refusal script to politely get off the phone, such as, "I'm sorry. This is not a good time."

The Best Way to Help Stop Fraud Is To Report It

If a scam artist has contacted you or if you've been defrauded, contact the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC gathers evidence, identifies fraud trends and alerts law enforcement throughout the U.S., Canada and abroad. By reporting your experience, you can prevent others from becoming victims.