Top 10 scams to watch for

Last update: January 12, 2008 - 10:47 PM

1Check scams: Victims are told they have won a contest, and that an enclosed check is to cover taxes and fees. They are told to deposit it and wire the money to cover fees. The check is bad.

2 Advance fee lenders: Scammers offer loans, but the applicant must pay fees before they can receive a loan.

3 Online employment offers: Offers ask for "shipping" or "billing managers" but are looking for victims to commit money laundering.

4 Lottery/sweepstakes scam: Victims are told they have won money and must wire funds to pay fees.

5 Overpayment scams: A "buyer" contacts a seller of an item listed on the Internet. The buyer sends a check for more than the cost and asks the seller to deposit it and send the remainder, but the check is bad.

6Mortgage foreclosure scams: Scammers may claim to know of investors or a "loophole" to help homeowners save their homes. Victims will be asked to pay fees or provide personal information.

7 Marketing scams: Victims are told they can make money from home, but to participate, they must pay for information or products.

8 Inheritance scam: Scammer claims to be a relative and requests personal information to wire an inheritance.

9 Phishing scams: E-mails look like they are from a financial institution and ask for personal information, but route the victim to a scam website.

10 Nigerian scam: Scammer claims to be an official from a foreign country who needs an individual who can deposit up to millions of dollars, in order to get access to account information.

Source: Council of Better Business Bureaus

SAFETY FROM SCAMS

There are scores of variations on Internet and phone scams. Here are some general tips to combat fraud:

• Be wary of receiving cashier's checks in transactions in which money has to be sent back to the sender, or to a third party. The bank giving you money for the check does NOT mean it has cleared, and you'll have to repay the money if it doesn't.

• For cashier's checks, contact the financial institution on which the check was drawn to ensure it is legitimate.

• Be wary of any third-party payment.

• Avoid anyone who offers you a private deal and asks you not to tell anyone about it.

• Do not give Social Security numbers or financial information unless you know who wants it and why.

• If you are unsure of the transaction, postpone it until you can check out the person or company.

• Be extra cautious when dealing with individuals outside of the country.

• More information about avoiding scams is available from the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov; click on the "consumer protection" box.

Jon Tevlin

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