TYPICAL SCAM:

Mr. Jones answered his phone one Sunday afternoon and was greeted by an excited young woman who informed him he was the newest winner of the "Sunny Breeze" all expenses paid vacation package. The friendly voice assured him that he could have his choice of several tropical paradises for only a small "fee" of $200.00 to cover "taxes." As a bonus, if he paid immediately by credit card, the vacation package would be delivered within just a few days. Mr. Jones was so excited about the prospect of taking his wife on a long deserved vacation that he did not hesitate to furnish the woman with his credit card number and home address for delivery.

TIPS FOR FRAUD PREVENTION:

• Don’t buy by phone from unfamiliar companies. Legitimate businesses will understand when you want more information about their offer or their company.

• Always ask for, and wait until you receive, written material about any offer or charity. If you get brochures about expensive investments, ask your financial advisor to review them.

• Always check out unfamiliar companies with your local Consumer Protection Agency, Better Business Bureau, State Attorney General, or The National Fraud Information Center.

• Always take your time making a decision. Legitimate companies won’t pressure you to decide quickly. It’s not rude to wait and think about an offer. Remember, if you’ve won a prize but have to pay for it too, you haven’t "won" anything.

• Don’t give your credit card number, checking account number, or other personal information to a telemarketer unless you are familiar with the company, and the information is necessary in order to make a purchase you want.

• If a solicitation comes by mail, call the Postal Crime Hotline at (800) 654-8896 for more advice on how not to become a victim.
 

For more information, or to report a possible scam:

Riverside County C.A.R.E. Program at (909) 791-3446

The C.A.R.E. Program in the Coachella Valley at (760) 836-1606

The National Fraud Information Center at 1-800-876-7060

or Your Local Law Enforcement Agency or the FBI

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