LOOKING AHEAD
Resolve Not to Be
Scammed
12/29/06
The
dawning of a new year for many is an opportunity
to wipe the slate clean and resolve to do
more in the months ahead—lose more weight,
be more generous, and, of course, make more
money. Unfortunately scammers of all stripes
will be seeking their own fortunes in 2007,
often by preying on the public's general affinity
to get something for nothing.
Fraud
appears in many ways and robs innocent victims
of billions of dollars every year. Mortgage
fraud alone is estimated to have cost $1 billion
in 2005 and is expected to be a continuing
problem in 2007—a recent analysis shows
mortgage loan fraud reports rose 35 percent
in the past year. Internet fraud last year
cost victims $183 million, much of it through
bogus online auctions and the non-delivery
of goods.
As
the new year emerges with its infinite possibilities,
add another resolution to the mix-resolve
not to be a victim. Don't fall for scams designed
to steal your identity or your money. Be vigilant
with your personal data, know what scams are
lurking, and be mindful of the golden rule
"If it looks too good to be true…,"
which happens to have its own website: lookstoogoodtobetrue.
Here
is a short list of scams to be aware of. It
is by no means complete, but offers a glimpse
of ways scammers try to take what is yours.
More information can be found on our Common
Fraud Schemes page and at LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.
Meanwhile the Internet
Crime Complaint Center (IC3) keeps a running
list of emerging Internet scams.
The
links below describe different types of fraud
and offer tips on how to protect yourself:
