The cardinal rules for avoiding fraud: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And never make hasty financial decisions out of fear or greed. Here are some other precautions:
Never provide money or personal information to someone you don't know. If you buy items online, use a payment option that provides protection, such as a credit card. Never send cash, a wire transfer or prepaid gift cards.
Be suspicious of any call from a stranger asking for money, even if they claim to be with a law enforcement or government agency.
Don't pay upfront fees or provide private information for the promise of a big payoff, such as an investment or prize money.
Don't click on a link in an e-mail or open an attachment unless you are absolutely certain who the sender is and that the link or attachment is safe.
If contacted by a familiar organization such as your bank or a government agency, verify by hanging up and calling the organization. Find the number online or elsewhere — don't use the phone number or link provided by the original call or e-mail.
Don't trust caller ID. It can easily be "spoofed" to show a fake name, a number that appears to be in your community, or even a number that belongs to a relative.
End the call. Don't feel obliged to be polite. When it comes to protecting yourself, there is no such thing as being rude.
