Modern Money Scams To Avoid

[dimetime]

I thought that a good reminder of the many different things theives have been doing to rip people off would be good because in the new year these old scams will most likely be used as well as new ones I am sure.

The top money scams used in 2010 were:

1. Internet sales on merchandise
2. Internet Auctions
3.Timeshare resales
4. Free gifts, Sweepstakes/Prizes
5. Nigerian Money Offers
6. Fake Checks
7. Employment agencies offering jobs and job counselling overseas
8. Phishing/Spoofing
9. Credit arrangers as well as fees for advance loans
10. Charity Collections

These are the things that everyone needs to be wary of in this new year, because even though people are warned about them often, people will still fall for them easily which is why theives use them.

[moneysense]

Scams are something that we all need to be on the lookout for. And one area of our society gets targeted for scams more than any other and that is the elderly. So be sure to discuss this with your older parents and aunts and uncles to help protect them from getting caught up in one of the latest scams. There have been many older citizens that have lost their life savings to some smooth talking scam artist.

Also, beware of any questionable offers etc in you emails. If you dont recognize who the email is from, just delete it because it might contain a virus that will take all your personal information and wreak havoc in your computer.

[dimetime]

Here is one to also look out for. A neatly dressed gentleman came to the door about a week ago. He had NO company papers, ID or documentation what so ever, but claimed he was here at our place to offer us a free cleaning product for allowing him into the house to clean a room of our choice!!!

Now this didn't happen of course because it seemed to me that he was just a little to eager to get inside, not to mention the fact he seemed nervous and kept constantly looking around.

If something like this happens to you I suggest that you don't allow it because it struck me that he wanted inside to see what was in the house. Just because he didn't have documentation and his attitude I would have never let him inside.

This just screamed scam to me and even if it wasn't I was better off not allowing it. Anyway I rather clean my place myself then I know it is done right.

[pennypinch]

Here are some of the latest credit card scams that i read about. Be aware!

1. Someone calls you up and tells you they can lower your credit card rate for a one-time upfront fee. They say they are from "card services" or "member services" and they make the promist to lower your fee.

No one should ever call you and offer you a lower fee, and certainly not for money in exchange. You can lower your own fee for free by simply calling up the number on the back of your card and asking for a lower rate. No one else is more likely to make it happen than you.

2. Some one calls you up or sends you a text that your card has been frozen because of an issue. They give you a number that you need to call right away. You call the number and they ask you for your card number and other information. Now, you think your card has been shut off and in the meantime they are blowing up your bill because you just gave them all of the card info.

Never ever call a phone number that someone gave you. Find the number on the back of the card and call it. Ask them whats going on.

3. You get a call that is supposedly from the card issuing bank. They tell you that there has been a security issue or they have noticed unusual charges and they need the three-digit number on the signature panel of the card.

Companies should already have all of that information. If they are asking you for it then there is trouble.

[moneysense]

And, its not only phone calls or texts these days, its also emails. I have gotten many in the past from banks and credit companies and I dont even bother opening them because they are nowhere I deal with.

Other possible scams might include the ones where you see ads to copy and send in your w2 statement. Never ever do this. This would give probable scammers enough information so that they could totally wipe you out financially.

One has to be oh so careful these days. Think long and hard before giving anyone your personal information.

[dimetime]

It is a shame that we all have to go through such lengths to protect ourselves from these theives.

No matter what we do to make sure that we are protected, these theives always find ways around it all!! It really sucks that this stuff happens.

Theives must sit around and just try to come up with new ideas and ways to take money from others. This is one of those things I really wish we could turn back time on. There was a time in this country when most people could easily be trusted, and those would be good times. Though sadfully we will never see those days again.